Is IAS the same quality as POPLA?

Both are independent appeal services whose adjudicators apply the relevant Code of Practice. IAS is operated by the IPC; POPLA is administered by Ombudsman Services under contract to the BPA. Both are free to motorists. Broadly, the quality and independence of adjudication is similar, though there are periodic complaints about both services. The substantive grounds available are effectively the same.

What is the IPC Code's maximum charge?

The IPC Code sets a maximum charge similar to the BPA Code — currently £100 in most areas. Check the current IPC Code for the precise figure applicable at the date your charge was issued, as charge maximums are reviewed. A charge above the IPC Code maximum is a per se Code violation.

What if my operator is in neither the BPA nor IPC?

An operator who is not a member of either the BPA or IPC cannot lawfully obtain keeper details from the DVLA and cannot pursue keeper liability under POFA. If the operator is pursuing you as keeper and is not a BPA or IPC member, they have no DVLA data access authority. Challenge keeper liability directly and report the operator to the DVLA.

IPC Code of Practice

By GetRighted Legal Research TeamLast updated July 2026

Summary

The International Parking Community (IPC) publishes its own Code of Practice for member operators, separate from the BPA Code. IPC operators use the Independent Appeals Service (IAS) rather than POPLA for Stage 2 appeals. The IPC Code covers the same territory as the BPA Code — signage, ANPR, grace periods, appeal timescales, and charge maximums — but with some differences in detail. DVLA data access for IPC members depends on compliance with the IPC Code. IAS adjudicators apply the IPC Code when assessing Stage 2 appeals. Check which body your operator belongs to before submitting any appeal, as using the wrong service causes delay.

IPC vs BPA — how they differ

The IPC was established as an alternative accreditation body to the BPA. Both bodies require operators to follow a code of practice as a condition of DVLA data access. The codes are broadly similar but have some differences in specific requirements — for example, exact charge maximums, signage specifications, and grace period wording may differ slightly between the two Codes. IAS, the IPC's appeal service, operates on written submissions in the same way as POPLA. Decisions are made by independent adjudicators. The IAS process is free to motorists.

How to identify an IPC operator

The charge notice must state which trade body the operator belongs to. IPC membership is indicated by the IPC logo or a statement that appeals go to the IAS. Some IPC operators display the IPC logo on signage at the site. If in doubt, search the IPC's online register of members (ipc.uk.net). Using POPLA for an IPC operator will result in rejection, as POPLA only handles BPA operator appeals.

IPC Code breaches are as valid as BPA Code breaches

IAS adjudicators apply the IPC Code in the same way POPLA adjudicators apply the BPA Code. A clear IPC Code violation — inadequate signage, no consideration period, missing ANPR records, failure to respond to Stage 1 within the required period — is a strong appeal ground. Download the current IPC Code, compare your operator's conduct against it, and cite specific sections in your IAS submission.

Appealing against an IPC operator at IAS

✓Confirm the operator is IPC-accredited — check the notice for IPC logo or IAS reference, and verify on the IPC member register.
✓Download the current IPC Code of Practice from ipc.uk.net.
✓Submit your Stage 1 appeal to the operator first — IAS requires evidence of operator rejection and the IAS reference number.
✓In your IAS submission, cite specific IPC Code sections — signage, ANPR, consideration period, or charge maximum.
✓The IAS adjudicator's decision binding on the operator if in your favour — document the decision reference if the operator refuses to cancel.

Sources

IPC Code of Practice 2023 — full text
Parking (Code of Practice) Act 2019
DVLA data sharing agreement with BPA/IPC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IAS the same quality as POPLA?: Both are independent appeal services whose adjudicators apply the relevant Code of Practice. IAS is operated by the IPC; POPLA is administered by Ombudsman Services under contract to the BPA. Both are free to motorists. Broadly, the quality and independence of adjudication is similar, though there are periodic complaints about both services. The substantive grounds available are effectively the same.
What is the IPC Code's maximum charge?: The IPC Code sets a maximum charge similar to the BPA Code — currently £100 in most areas. Check the current IPC Code for the precise figure applicable at the date your charge was issued, as charge maximums are reviewed. A charge above the IPC Code maximum is a per se Code violation.
What if my operator is in neither the BPA nor IPC?: An operator who is not a member of either the BPA or IPC cannot lawfully obtain keeper details from the DVLA and cannot pursue keeper liability under POFA. If the operator is pursuing you as keeper and is not a BPA or IPC member, they have no DVLA data access authority. Challenge keeper liability directly and report the operator to the DVLA.

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