Enforced by APCOA Parking on behalf of Gatwick Airport Ltd
Received a Gatwick airport parking charge?
Gatwick Airport charges for drop-offs at North and South terminal zones, enforced by APCOA using ANPR cameras. The charge applies even for very short stops. Upload your notice and we will check every legal angle — free.
Current drop-off fee: £5 per drop-off (terminal drop-off zones)
Honest assessment
Like Heathrow, Gatwick drop-off charges rest on clear signage and camera enforcement. ANPR errors and POFA 2012 keeper liability failures are the most common valid grounds. If you genuinely stopped briefly without being charged, you may have a timing argument.
Common grounds found in Gatwick charges
These are the most common legal issues we identify. Upload your notice and we check all of them automatically.
- ANPR misread — incorrect plate captured on approach
- Charged for passing through the drop-off zone without stopping
- Registered keeper pursued without a valid Notice to Keeper within 14 days
- Payment made but not matched to vehicle registration in the system
- North/South terminal zone confusion — charged at wrong zone
- Grace period not applied before charge issued
How to challenge a Gatwick charge
- 1
Upload your charge notice
Take a photo or upload a PDF of your Gatwick airport parking charge. Include both sides if it arrived by post.
- 2
We check the law
We extract the key facts and check them against POFA 2012, the relevant Code of Practice, ANPR accuracy requirements, and your own account of what happened.
- 3
Get your free assessment
You receive an honest assessment of your grounds — including whether the charge appears valid. If you have grounds, we draft your appeal letter for £9.99.
- 4
Appeal to Gatwick Airport Ltd (then POPLA if rejected by APCOA)
We identify the correct appeals route for your specific charge and provide a tailored response letter covering your grounds.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Gatwick airport parking charge legally enforceable?▼
It depends on the specific circumstances. Airport charges are enforced under civil contract law. Even airport operators must comply with POFA 2012 if they want to pursue the registered keeper rather than the driver. ANPR accuracy is also a legal requirement. A free scan will identify whether your specific charge has defects.
What happens if I ignore a Gatwick charge?▼
Ignoring the charge may lead to it being passed to a debt collection agency and potentially a county court claim. We recommend getting a free scan first to understand your position before deciding whether to pay or challenge.
How long do I have to appeal a Gatwick airport charge?▼
Typically 28 days from the date of the notice. Check your notice for the exact deadline — these are time-critical and missing the window reduces your options significantly.
Can the airport take me to court for a drop-off charge?▼
In theory, yes. In practice, airport parking charges typically go to a debt collection agency first. If you receive a Letter Before Claim, you should respond within 30 days. We provide a Letter Before Claim response pack for that stage.
Check your Gatwick charge now — free
Honest assessment. We tell you if the charge appears valid. Pay only if you want the drafted letter.
Legal information only — not legal advice. For urgent matters, speak to a qualified adviser.
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