POPLA vs IAS Explained
If the parking company rejects your appeal, your next step is an independent appeals service — either POPLA or the IAS. Which one you use depends on the trade body the operator belongs to.
By JayFounder, ParkingHero Updated 19 August 2026 6 min readImportant: You cannot choose your appeals service — it is determined by the operator's trade body.
In this guide
1. Who runs each service
POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) handles appeals against British Parking Association members. The IAS (Independent Appeals Service) handles appeals against International Parking Community members.
2. How to find out which applies
Your rejection letter will name the appeals service and give you a reference code. If it doesn't, check the operator's membership on the BPA or IPC website.
Top TipNo code means you can't appeal independently — ask the operator for one in writing.
3. Key differences
POPLA generally requires the operator to prove the charge is valid, and publishes assessor decisions. IAS decisions are made by barristers appointed by the IPC and are less transparent, so evidence and precision matter even more.
4. Making the strongest submission
Both services are free and decided on paperwork alone. Address each of the operator's points, upload your evidence, and submit before the deadline (usually 28 days from the rejection).
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