How to Appeal an Indigo Parking Charge — Complete Guide

Last updated: March 2026

Indigo (formerly Vinci Park) is one of the UK's largest parking management companies, operating at hospitals, council-contracted sites, commercial properties, and multi-storey car parks. If you've received a parking charge from Indigo — typically £70 to £100 — this guide explains the appeal process and the most effective defences.

Who Are Indigo Parking?

Indigo Park Solutions UK Ltd, previously known as Vinci Park, manages both pay-and-display and ANPR-enforced car parks across the UK. They operate at a wide range of sites including NHS hospitals, local authority car parks (under contract), office complexes, and shopping centres. Indigo charges are private invoices — not the same as a council parking ticket, even when Indigo operates on behalf of a council.

Indigo is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA). This means your independent appeal route is through POPLA (the Parking on Private Land Appeals service) if Indigo reject your initial appeal. POPLA is free to use and its decision is binding on the operator. For more on how private parking enforcement works, see our guide on private parking companies and your rights.

The Notice to Keeper (NTK) Requirements

Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Indigo must issue a compliant Notice to Keeper to hold the registered keeper liable. 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 contravention, the location, and details of how to appeal
• Be correctly addressed to the registered keeper at their DVLA-registered address

If the NTK was late, incomplete, or sent to the wrong address, Indigo cannot transfer liability from the driver to the keeper. If you were not the driver and the NTK is defective, this is a powerful defence. See our guide on what to do if your parking notice never arrived.

Common Grounds for Appealing an Indigo Parking Charge

Pay-on-Exit and Payment Machine Issues

Indigo operates many pay-on-exit car parks and sites with payment machines. Common issues include machines that are out of order, machines that do not accept certain payment methods (card only, no cash, or vice versa), confusing tariff displays, and queues that make it impossible to pay before a barrier time limit expires. If you were unable to pay due to a faulty or confusing payment system, document the issue with photographs and include this in your appeal.

Hospital Car Park Overstays

Indigo manages parking at numerous NHS hospitals. If you overstayed because a hospital appointment overran, you were attending an emergency, or you were visiting a seriously ill patient, explain the circumstances and provide supporting evidence. Medical mitigating circumstances are taken seriously by both Indigo and POPLA assessors.

Council-Contracted Sites

At some locations, Indigo operates under contract to a local council. In these cases, it can be unclear whether the charge is a council PCN or a private parking charge. Check your notice carefully — if it is issued by Indigo (not the council), it is a private charge and you appeal through Indigo then POPLA, not through the council's formal challenge process.

Signage and Terms

The BPA Code of Practice requires clear, prominent signage. At complex sites — multi-storey car parks with different zones, or sites with both short-stay and long-stay areas — signage can be confusing. If the terms were not clearly communicated, photograph the signage and use this as evidence. Contradictory or ambiguous signs are a strong ground for appeal.

How to Appeal Step by Step

1. Appeal to Indigo first: Submit your appeal to Indigo within 28 days of the charge notice. State your grounds clearly, attach all supporting evidence, and keep copies of everything.
2. If rejected, appeal to POPLA: Indigo's rejection letter will include a POPLA appeal code. You have 28 days from the rejection to submit your POPLA appeal. This is free and independent.
3. Await the POPLA decision: A POPLA assessor reviews written evidence from both sides. If they find in your favour, Indigo must cancel the charge. If they find against you, Indigo may continue to pursue payment.

What If Indigo Escalate to Debt Recovery?

If you do not pay or appeal, Indigo may pass the case to a debt recovery company. These firms send letters but have no bailiff powers. Indigo can ultimately pursue a county court claim. Read our guide on parking fine debt collectors to understand the process. For a complete 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
• Parking Fine Debt Collectors