26 January 2023

Control fees

Parking rules exist to ensure that we have the safest and most accessible environment possible in our car parks. These rules are not made up by us - they have been set to help improve the traffic environment for everyone, both motorists and pedestrians. In this post, we clarify the rules for parking errors and for issuing parking and enforcement fines.

In order to ensure a smooth and pleasant environment in parking areas, there are parking rules that motorists must follow.

What is the difference between a parking fine and a control fee?

Parking fines are governed by another law called the Parking Fines Act (1976:206), and refer to parking on the street. Control fees apply to parking on land, and are normally the concern of private landowners. Generally speaking, it can be said that only the municipality issues parking fines.

I have received an inspection fee

Oops hello - that sucks, we know. If you've been issued with a parking ticket, it's probably because your parked vehicle hasn't followed the parking rules in the area where you've parked. As a driver, you must present a valid parking ticket, either via a parking disc, app or parking machine. Pay attention to signs to keep track of the rules in the area you are parking in. If you don't have a valid ticket, or if the ticket is not visible in the box, you risk being charged an inspection fee.

HERE you can read more about parking signs and road markings in parking areas.

Who issues control fees?

Parkit, and other parking companies, are responsible for issuing control fees on behalf of land or property owners in accordance with the Act (1984:318) on control fees for illegal parking. When a vehicle is parked illegally, a control fee is issued by ticket inspectors who are employed to ensure compliance with parking regulations. We will place the control fee on your windscreen or hand it to you directly.

Parkit and other parking companies work by law on behalf of land and property owners to create a frictionless parking environment.

Are there rules about signage in parking areas?

Yes, it does. Inspection fees may only be charged if parking bans or parking conditions have been clearly communicated by signs in the area. The law is clear, signs must meet road marking standards. Simple plastic signs and the like are not allowed. If you feel that the signage has been unclear or inadequate, you can contact the current parking company (which must be visible on parking signs as well as the inspection fee).

My control fee is incorrect

If you receive an inspection fee that you believe is incorrect, you should contact the issuer of the parking fee or inspection fee, which is usually a parking company or the landowner, as soon as possible.

What happens if I don't pay my parking or inspection fee?

Refusing to pay a parking fine is not in itself a criminal offence. If you refuse to pay such a charge, you will instead receive an injunction to pay. If this is not complied with, the demand for payment will be handed over to the Enforcement Authority, which will collect the debt, provided that the parking fine has not been appealed or suspended. Remember that you should always contact the current parking company or landowner directly if you believe the charge is incorrect.

For every check fee distributed, Parkit donates part of the amount to charity.

How do Parkit's inspection fees differ from other parking companies?

It's never fun to get fined, especially when you're "just running a quick errand...". Whatever the reason, there are rules in parking lots that must be followed, and it is the parking companies or the landowner who enforces these rules. If you've received a parking ticket from Parkit, you'll see that our parking tickets are pink (as opposed to the usual yellow ones). This is partly because we want to make our brand visible, but also to make it clear that part of our inspection fees go to charity. You can read more about our donation work HERE.