Horizon Parking Ticket Appeal Guide (2026)
Last updated: January 2026
How to appeal a Horizon Parking ticket. Retail park signage failures, ANPR time issues, POFA compliance. Most Horizon tickets can be challenged.
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TL;DR Summary
Horizon Parking operates at retail parks, supermarkets, and shopping centres. They are a BPA member, so appeals go to POPLA. Key challenges include signage visibility, ANPR camera limitations, grace period failures, and POFA compliance issues.
What's changed for parking appeals in 2026?
- The Private Parking Code of Practice 2024 is now in force with stricter requirements.
- 10-minute grace periods are mandatory at the end of any paid or free parking period.
- ANPR evidence is facing more challenges where entry/exit times don't reflect actual parking duration.
- Operators must clearly display all material terms before the driver commits to parking.
- POPLA continues to uphold appeals where signage or procedural issues exist.
- Horizon must demonstrate clearer compliance with signage and grace period rules.
Who Are Horizon Parking?
Horizon Parking Ltd is a private parking enforcement company operating primarily at:
- Retail parks and shopping centres
- Supermarket car parks
- Leisure facilities and cinemas
- Restaurant and takeaway sites
- Commercial properties
Horizon is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA), meaning they must comply with the BPA Code of Practice and accept appeals to POPLA.
Common Horizon Parking Tickets
| Alleged Issue | What Horizon Claims |
|---|---|
| Overstaying | ANPR shows you exceeded the maximum stay (e.g., 2 or 3 hours) |
| No return within X hours | You allegedly returned to the car park too soon after a previous visit |
| Not a customer | You parked but didn't shop at the associated stores |
| Failure to display ticket | Pay-and-display sites where no ticket was visible |
Key Weaknesses in Horizon Tickets
1. Signage Issues at Retail Parks
Retail park car parks are often large and confusing. Common signage problems include:
- Entrance signs that are too small or placed at speed
- Terms and conditions in tiny print
- Contradictory signs at different points in the car park
- Signs obscured by seasonal decorations, banners, or other vehicles
- Different rules for different zones that aren't clearly explained
2. Grace Period Violations
The BPA Code and 2024 Private Parking Code require:
- At least 10 minutes consideration time after arrival
- At least 10 minutes grace at the end of any free or paid period
If Horizon issued a ticket for a minor overstay without applying grace periods, the charge may be challengeable.
3. ANPR ≠ Parking Time
ANPR cameras record when your vehicle enters and exits the site. They do not record:
- Time spent looking for a parking space
- Time queuing to exit the car park
- Time walking to and from your vehicle
- Whether you actually stopped or just drove through
At busy retail parks, the difference between ANPR time and actual parking time can be significant.
4. POFA Compliance
To transfer liability from driver to keeper, Horizon must comply with POFA Schedule 4:
- Notice to Keeper must arrive within 14 days of the parking event
- The notice must contain all required information
- Adequate signage must be present
Check the postmark on your envelope - if it was posted late, keeper liability may not apply.
5. Landowner Authority
Horizon must have proper authority from the landowner. In retail park situations:
- The store you visited may be able to cancel the ticket directly
- Ask the store manager to contact Horizon on your behalf
- If the landowner didn't authorise enforcement, the charge may be invalid
How to Appeal a Horizon Ticket
Step 1: Appeal to Horizon Parking
- Gather evidence (signage photos, shopping receipts, bank statements)
- Submit your appeal via Horizon's website or by post
- Keep copies of everything
- Wait for their response (usually 28-56 days)
Step 2: Escalate to POPLA
If Horizon rejects your appeal, they must provide a POPLA code. Appeal to POPLA within 28 days.
- POPLA is free for motorists
- Submit your appeal online at popla.co.uk
- POPLA's decision is binding on Horizon
Evidence to Collect
- ☐ Photos of entrance signs and all visible signage
- ☐ Photos of any unclear or contradictory signs
- ☐ Copy of the PCN and all correspondence
- ☐ The original envelope with postmark
- ☐ Shopping receipts showing you were a customer
- ☐ Bank/card statements showing transactions at stores
- ☐ Any correspondence with the store or landowner
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About the Author
The PCN Beater team includes UK drivers and parking law specialists who've successfully challenged hundreds of unfair tickets. Our service was built after repeatedly fighting parking companies and councils—and winning. Our appeal letters are based on UK parking codes of practice, BPA guidelines, and real-world appeal outcomes that deliver results.
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