I'm pretty sure this has been covered in another thread a while back.

You need to check whether you have received a "fine" or something else, like a "charge". Check the wording. If the former, you are dealing with APCOA as agents for the local authority - in the case, Luton Borough Council - and must take the matter seriously, otherwise the weight of the law will apply. There will be some reference to LBC on the ticket. It will be a Penalty Charge Notice. You can try to appeal direct to LBC.

Otherwise, a "charge" is an invoice for contravening a parking company's regulations which you may choose not to pay, as it's a civil matter. It may be disguised to make it look official - it may say Parking Charge Notice. Many regard such notices with contempt, but you should do some homework before deciding. I suggest you go to www.pepipoo.com - there's plenty about APCOA and about Luton Airport.

Though I am fairly local and have driven in and out of the airport on many occasions I don't know what the legal position is with regard to stopping on the approach roads - though I have seen the signs forbidding it. And I remember an unholy row a while back when traffic was so slow that people were getting out of cars and taxis, having calculated it was quicker to walk, with the result that drivers were getting tickets.

Edited by FP on 24/04/2013 at 18:58

You may have found your simple get-out clause, but I would still suggest you take a look at Pepipoo, where there are some suggested letters.