Most people don’t know this: airport drop-off zones aren't managed by the police or councils. They're run by private companies. Which means that those scary-looking fines? They’re not fines. They’re invoices. And you have every right to challenge them.

Here’s how I took on Manchester Airport over a £100 charge—and won.

Step-by-Step Timeline

16 May 2025
Dropped off a family member at Manchester Airport. Construction everywhere, barriers gone, signage unclear. Saw a poster about online payment but forgot once back on the motorway.

Late May
Remembered the charge. Tried to pay. Website only allowed same-day or previous-day payment. Couldn’t proceed.

31 May 2025
Sent a polite email to the parking operator explaining the situation and asking how to pay the £5. They replied saying a £100 charge had already been issued and asked if we’d received a letter.

Early June
Found a posted letter addressed to the keeper of the vehicle. The name was slightly wrong, and the keeper was overseas. It demanded £100 for "breach of contract" on private land. If paid within 14 days, they'd knock it down to £60.

Classic pressure tactics.

Replied explaining the circumstances, identifying myself as the driver, and offering to pay the £5.

Mid-June
Their response? Rejected.

I was invited to escalate to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals), the independent appeals body.

So I did.

10 July 2025
Submitted formal POPLA appeal using short summary and detailed written statement. 

The Key Arguments That Made the Difference

1. No clear contract.
2. Safe driving comes first.
3. Disproportionate punishment.
4. Keeper liability improperly established due to incorrect details and overseas keeper.
5. Good faith matters.

The Outcome

Late July 2025

I got this from POPLA:

"The operator has contacted us and told us that they have withdrawn...  the parking charge has been cancelled."

No big announcement. No explanation. Just gone.

They know most people pay.

They weren’t expecting someone to fight back with a calm, reasoned case.

Total time: approx. 6 weeks.

Want to Fight Yours?

I’ve created a guide and downloadable templates based on my case. Use it, share it, make it yours. The more of us who stand up, the fairer this system becomes.

To download the template pack for FREE - CLICK HERE

If it helps you save time, effort or a £100 charge, come back and give me a tip.

"An absolute disgrace, £5 jumps to £100 for a 3 minute drop off - thank you for this, it might just save me a lot of work and £100.00." User Leeds.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about dodging fair payment. It’s about fairness, clarity, and basic respect. If they make it hard to pay, then punish you when you forget, that’s not a contract. It’s a trap.

You can beat it. I did.

Spread the love by spreading the word.