POPLA Airport Parking Appeal: What to Include

Start with the rejection letter

Read the operator's rejection carefully before writing to POPLA. Look at whether it answers the points you raised or simply repeats that the charge remains payable. The rejection usually tells you what the operator thinks its strongest evidence is.

Keep the POPLA code, the rejection letter, the original notice, screenshots of payment pages and any photos together. POPLA decisions are evidence-led, so a tidy bundle helps.

Airport byelaws and relevant land

If the charge relates to an airport, address whether the site is relevant land under PoFA. Where airport byelaws or statutory control apply, the operator may not be able to rely on keeper liability.

Ask the operator to show why the specific site falls within PoFA. General statements about airport parking are weaker than site-specific evidence.

Keeper liability

Explain whether you are appealing as the registered keeper and whether the driver has been identified. If the operator is pursuing the keeper, check that the notice meets PoFA wording and timing requirements.

If no windscreen notice was issued, timing can matter. A late notice may weaken the operator's keeper liability position, especially where the driver has not been named.

Signage, payment and authority

POPLA can also consider signage, payment records, ANPR timestamps and operator authority. If the site uses barrierless payment or online payment after leaving, explain any confusion clearly and attach supporting screenshots where you have them.

Ask for evidence that the operator has authority to issue and pursue charges at the location. This is especially useful when the land forms part of a larger airport estate.

Keep the appeal focused

A POPLA appeal should be calm, structured and specific. Set out each issue in a separate section and connect it to the evidence. Avoid angry wording, guesses or admissions about who drove unless you have already chosen to identify the driver.