Loads of tickets are wrong, badly signed, or — if a private company issued it — not even a real fine. Check free in 30 seconds whether you can appeal, and get a ready-to-send letter.
It matters a lot — and most people don't realise they're completely different things.
No. Only the police, councils and the DVLA can issue actual fines. A private company's "charge" is a claimed breach of contract — an invoice. It can still be enforced through the courts, so don't ignore it, but you appeal it (free) rather than just paying.
Private operators in the BPA must give at least a 10-minute grace period after your paid time ends, plus a reasonable "consideration period" when you arrive. If you were within that, the charge usually shouldn't stand.
Only if the operator followed Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 to the letter (the right notices, in the right time windows). If they didn't, they can't hold you liable for someone else's parking. Make them prove they complied.
Council: challenge promptly to keep the 50% discount; you can make formal representations after a Notice to Owner, then appeal to the tribunal. Private: usually 28 days to appeal to the operator, then to POPLA/IAS if rejected.
No. ConsumerSuit is free and you deal with the council or operator directly. Appeals are free too — never pay a company a cut of "getting your ticket cancelled".