The "Forbidding Signage" Defence
SIP Parking (SiP Parking Limited) operates many sites in Manchester and the North West, often under trading styles such as ANPReye, SIP Car Parks, Simple Intelligent Parking, and Stops Illegal Parking. A common error on their signs is using "Prohibitive" language.
What is Prohibitive?
If a sign says "No Parking" or "Parking Prohibited", it is forbidding you from parking. This creates a legal problem for the operator.
Why It Matters
Contract law requires:
- Offer: "You may park here for £X" (permissive)
- Acceptance: You park
- Consideration: Payment or agreement to terms
If the sign says "No Parking," there is no offer - just a prohibition. You cannot accept an offer that was never made.
The Technical Argument
"The signage at this location states 'No Parking' [or similar prohibitive language]. This is not an offer to contract but a prohibition. Since no offer was made, no contract can have been formed through my parking. The operator's remedy lies in trespass (nominal damages), not breach of contract (£100)."
The Practical Effect
If no contract exists, the operator cannot claim £100 as a "parking charge." Their only remedy would be a trespass claim, which typically results in nominal damages of £1-5.
Checking the Signage
- Look at the exact wording on the signs
- Does it say "No Parking" or "Parking Permitted for 2 hours"?
- Prohibitive = No contract possible
- Permissive = Contract may be formed
Photograph Everything
Take clear photos of all signage wording. This defence is technical and requires precise evidence of the language used.
If Your Informal Appeal Is Rejected
SIP Parking is a member of the International Parking Community (IPC), so the second-stage appeal route is the Independent Appeals Service (IAS) rather than POPLA. Make your prohibitive-signage argument plainly in the informal appeal, then re-state it with photographs at IAS if needed. The relevant trade body Code of Practice requires signage to communicate the contract terms clearly to the driver.