How to Appeal a Horizon Parking Charge — Complete Guide

Last updated: March 2026

Horizon Parking is a private parking operator commonly found at hospitals, retail parks, and commercial sites across the UK. If you've received a parking charge from Horizon — typically £70 to £100 — this guide explains your rights, the appeal process, and the strongest defences available to you.

Who Are Horizon Parking?

Horizon Parking Ltd manages car parks on private land using ANPR camera systems. They are frequently found at NHS hospital sites, retail parks, and business estates. Their charges are private invoices — not government-issued penalties. They do not carry the same legal weight as a council parking ticket.

Horizon Parking is a member of the International Parking Community (IPC). This is an important distinction: if Horizon reject your initial appeal, your independent appeal route is through the IAS (Independent Appeals Service), not POPLA. For more on how the two trade bodies differ, see our guide on private parking companies and your rights.

The Notice to Keeper (NTK) Requirements

Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Horizon Parking must issue a compliant Notice to Keeper to pursue the registered keeper rather than the unknown driver. The NTK must:

• Be served within 14 days of the alleged contravention (or within 14 days of obtaining keeper details from the DVLA)
• Include all prescribed information — the charge amount, the alleged breach, location details, and how to appeal
• Be correctly addressed to the registered keeper at their DVLA-registered address

If the NTK arrived late, was sent to the wrong address, or is missing required information, keeper liability does not transfer. If you were not the driver, this is a strong defence. See our guide on what to do if you never received a parking notice.

Common Grounds for Appealing a Horizon Parking Charge

Hospital Car Park Charges

Horizon Parking operates at many NHS hospital sites, which generates significant public frustration. If you overstayed because a hospital appointment overran, you were visiting a seriously ill patient, or you experienced a medical emergency yourself, explain the circumstances and provide supporting evidence such as appointment letters or discharge summaries. Both Horizon and IAS assessors consider genuine medical mitigating circumstances.

ANPR Camera Errors

Horizon relies on ANPR technology, which can produce errors. Cameras may misread number plates, fail to capture exit times, or incorrectly record a single visit as two separate events. Always request the ANPR photographs — if Horizon cannot provide clear entry and exit images with accurate timestamps, the charge is difficult to sustain.

Insufficient or Confusing Signage

The IPC Code of Practice requires clear, prominent signage at the entrance and within the car park. At hospital sites in particular, signage can be confusing — different zones with different rules, unclear tariff boards, or signs obscured by vegetation. Photograph all relevant signage and submit it as evidence.

Payment Machine Issues

At sites where Horizon requires payment, machines may be out of order, queues may be excessive, or payment instructions may be unclear. If you were unable to pay due to a faulty machine and there was no reasonable alternative, document the issue (photographs of out-of-order notices, for example) and include this in your appeal.

How to Appeal Step by Step

1. Appeal to Horizon Parking first: Submit your appeal directly to Horizon within 28 days of the charge notice. Set out your grounds clearly, attach supporting evidence, and keep copies of all correspondence.
2. If rejected, appeal to IAS: Because Horizon is an IPC member, your independent appeal is through the IAS (Independent Appeals Service). Horizon's rejection letter will include instructions and a reference code. You have 28 days from the rejection to submit your IAS appeal.
3. Await the IAS decision: An IAS adjudicator reviews written evidence from both parties. If they find in your favour, Horizon must cancel the charge. The decision is binding on Horizon but not on the motorist.

What If Horizon Parking Escalate to Debt Recovery?

If you neither pay nor appeal, Horizon may instruct a debt recovery company. These firms send letters but have no bailiff powers. Horizon can ultimately pursue a county court claim, though many cases do not reach that stage. Read our guide on parking fine debt collectors to understand the process. For a full overview, see our guide on the private parking charge appeal process.

Related Guides

• How to Appeal a Private Parking Charge
• POPLA Appeal Guide
• Your Rights Against Private Parking Companies
• Hospital Parking Fine Appeal