Private car parks

When you enter a private car park, like a shopping centre, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions displayed at the entrance of the car park and entering into a contract.

If you do not abide by these terms of use, car park operators can send you payment notices.

You must pay if you receive a payment notice 

Transport for NSW will send you a letter advising that your name and address details will be released to the car park operator. It is likely this letter will be followed by a payment notice from the car park operator.

While these payment notices are not parking fines because parking fines and infringement notices are issued by a government body, you are still obliged to pay the notice as you breached the terms of the contract.

If you do not pay, the car park operator may decide to:

• hire a debt collection agency to recover the amount owing, or
• take the matter to court and where they will have to show evidence to back any claim.

These actions may mean additional costs to you.

Getting help for your private car park matter

You can lodge an application with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). If you lodge an application before the car park operator issues a notice of intention to sue, you can prevent it from being heard before any civil court. Get legal advice if you are unsure what to do.

For more information on private car park payment notices and what you can do, visit the Legal Aid website.

If you have concerns about your privacy, you should contact the Information and Privacy Commission NSW.

Making a complaint

You can lodge a complaint: 

Online

If you cannot resolve your matter, submit your complaint by using our form.

Make a complaint

By mail

Post your complaint form and documentation to: 

NSW Fair Trading

PO Box 972 

Parramatta NSW 2124 

Ask a question 

If you are unable to find the information you need, you can call us between 8:30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. You can also use our form to make an enquiry. 

Make an enquiry