What Happens If You Don't Pay NCP?

If you fail to pay for parking with NCP, especially if you've used their "Pay Later" service and missed the payment window, you will face escalating financial penalties and potential legal action. The immediate consequence is typically a Parking Charge Notice, which can quickly lead to more severe repercussions if ignored.

The Immediate Consequence: Parking Charge Notice (PCN)

The primary outcome of not paying for NCP parking is the issuance of a Parking Charge Notice (PCN). This is a civil penalty issued by a private car park operator.

Specifically, if you opt to use NCP's "Pay Later" online service and forget to pay within the specified 48 hours, you will be liable to receive a Parking Charge Notice. It's crucial to set a reminder if you choose this payment method to avoid this initial penalty.

A PCN typically carries an initial charge, which can often be reduced if paid within a specific timeframe, usually 14 days from the issue date.

Escalation of Charges and Enforcement Actions

Ignoring a Parking Charge Notice can lead to a series of escalating actions, significantly increasing the amount you owe and potentially impacting your financial standing.

1. Increased Charges

If the initial PCN is not paid or successfully appealed within the specified period (usually 28 days), the parking charge will typically increase. For instance, a charge that might have been £60 (discounted to £30 for early payment) could rise to £100 or more.

2. Debt Collection Agencies

Should the increased charge remain unpaid, NCP, or their appointed enforcement agents, will often pass the debt to a third-party debt collection agency. These agencies will pursue the outstanding amount through various means, including:

• Sending demanding letters.
• Making phone calls.
• Potentially adding their own administrative fees to the outstanding balance.

3. County Court Judgment (CCJ)

As a final measure, if the debt collection attempts are unsuccessful, NCP or the debt collection agency may decide to take you to the County Court. If the court rules in their favour, a County Court Judgment (CCJ) can be issued against you.

• A CCJ is a court order demanding payment of the debt.
• Once a CCJ is issued, it will remain on your credit file for six years, even if paid, unless you pay it in full within one month of its issue.
• A CCJ can severely impact your credit score, making it difficult to obtain future credit, such as mortgages, loans, or even mobile phone contracts.
• If a CCJ is obtained and remains unpaid, the claimant may apply for further enforcement measures, such as a warrant of control (allowing bailiffs to seize goods) or an attachment of earnings order (deductions directly from your wages).

4. Impact on Credit Score

While an initial PCN itself does not directly impact your credit score, failure to pay it, leading to a County Court Judgment, will negatively affect your creditworthiness. This can have long-lasting consequences on your financial life.

What to Do If You Receive an NCP Parking Charge Notice

If you receive a PCN from NCP, it's important to act promptly and understand your options.

• Review the PCN Carefully: Check all the details on the notice, including the date, time, location, reason for issue, and the amount due. Ensure it's valid and contains all necessary information.
• Pay Promptly (If Applicable): If you believe the PCN is valid and you are liable, consider paying it within the early payment window (usually 14 days) to take advantage of the reduced rate.
• Consider Appealing: If you believe the PCN was issued unfairly or incorrectly, you have the right to appeal. Common grounds for appeal include:
  • You had a valid ticket or permit.
  • Signage was unclear or misleading.
  • The parking machine was faulty.
  • Mitigating circumstances (e.g., genuine breakdown).
  • The PCN contains errors.
  • Initially, appeal directly to NCP. If your appeal is rejected, you can escalate it to an independent appeals service such as POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) for most NCP sites. Always keep copies of all correspondence and evidence.
• Seek Advice: If you are unsure about how to proceed or need help with an appeal, consider seeking advice from impartial organizations like the Citizens Advice Bureau or specialist consumer advice websites.

Understanding the progression of consequences is vital for anyone facing an NCP parking charge to make informed decisions and avoid greater financial burden.