How to Help Drivers Avoid PCNs

A Guide for Managing Agents & Landowners

For managing agents and landowners, parking can be a tricky issue. On one hand, you need to ensure that parking is well-managed, fair, and efficient. On the other, nobody wants the headache of complaints from frustrated drivers who’ve received a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).

At Intelli-Park, we believe parking management should be clear, fair, and hassle-free —for both property owners and drivers. That’s why we’re sharing practical steps to help you reduce the number of PCNs on your site while keeping parking under control.

Why Do Drivers Receive PCNs?

PCNs are usually issued for common reasons, such as:

Most PCNs stem from misunderstandings rather than deliberate rule-breaking. So, how can we work together to prevent them?

1. Clear, Visible, and Simple Signage

Confusing or poorly placed signage is one of the biggest reasons drivers make mistakes. Ensuring that parking terms are clearly displayed, easy to read, and well-lit at night can make a big difference.
✔ Use simple, concise language – avoid too much industry jargon.

✔ Ensure key details stand out – such as time limits, payment instructions, and restrictions.

✔ Position signs strategically – at entrances, payment points, and all key areas.

At Intelli-Park, we always review signage as part of our service, ensuring it meets industry best practices and is as clear as possible for drivers.

2. Streamline Parking Registration & Payments
Many drivers receive PCNs simply because they forget to register their vehicle or struggle with outdated payment systems. By offering user-friendly, digital solutions, you can significantly reduce errors.
✔ Automated ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems to track vehicles entering and exiting.
✔ App-based or contactless payments make it easier for drivers to pay on time.
✔ Pre-registration options for tenants and frequent visitors can prevent unnecessary fines.
With Intelli-Park’s smart parking solutions, we help you implement systems that reduce driver frustration while ensuring compliance.

3. Educate & Communicate with Tenants & Visitors
Even with the best systems in place, drivers need to know how to use them. Regular communication with tenants and visitors can prevent confusion.
✔ Provide welcome packs or email updates for new tenants with clear parking instructions.
✔ Use QR codes on signage linking to quick easy payment options.
✔ Regularly remind tenants of parking rules through newsletters or building notices.
We also recommend reviewing communication based on feedback —if drivers frequently misunderstand a rule, a small tweak in how it’s presented can make all the difference.

4. Offer Grace Periods & Fair Appeals Processes
Sometimes, genuine mistakes happen. A driver may be a few minutes late returning to their car, or a first-time visitor might not realise they needed to register their vehicle. Having a fair and ethical approach to enforcement builds trust and avoids unnecessary disputes.
At Intelli-Park, we work with our clients to implement:
✔ Reasonable grace periods, so minor delays don’t result in penalties.
✔ Transparent appeals processes, ensuring genuine mistakes are fairly reviewed.
✔ Clear guidelines for enforcement, focusing on compliance rather than punishment.

5. Regularly Review & Optimise Your Parking Policy
Parking needs change over time, and what worked a few years ago might not be as effective today. Regularly reviewing your parking strategy ensures it remains fair, efficient, and fit for purpose.
✔ Monitor PCN trends – if a particular rule is leading to frequent fines, it may need adjusting.
✔ Assess feedback from tenants and visitors – are they finding parking easy to use?
✔ Consider upgrading to smarter, more efficient technology – reducing admin for you and stress for drivers.
At Intelli-Park, we partner with property owners to ensure their parking solutions evolve with their needs —not against them.

Final Thoughts
Reducing PCNs isn’t just about enforcement; it’s about creating a parking environment that’s clear, accessible, and easy to use. By implementing these steps you’ll not only minimise disputes and complaints but, also improve the overall experience for tenants and visitors.
At Intelli-Park, we’re here to help you achieve exactly that. Whether it’s improving signage, upgrading technology, or fine-tuning your parking policies, we work with you to make parking fairer, simpler, and more efficient.
Need advice on optimising your parking management? Get in touch with our team today.