PCN for being parked at Services for 8 hours (according to CP Plus!)

addyeagle

We received a PCN this morning from CP Plus Limited - had driven to a funeral , and stopped on the way up at services - we didn't even sit down, just a trip to the loo and a coffee to go .

On the way back that day we did exactly the same, in the late afternoon.

we parked in a different parking bay each time, and the car would have been in the services for about 20 mins each time.

we phoned their Enquiry Line this morning to be told we should leave a name and number and they would call back. No call. Phoned again, now their "mailbox is full".

So should we waste a stamp writing to appeal to these people or do nothing?

molerat

First mistake was phoning them and leaving your number. They can phone you now to try and intimidate you into paying. Totally ignore them and they will eventually go away. Keep all correspondance from them safe so you can use it against them when they break the law, which they eventually will. Try and record their phone calls remembering to tell them you are recording. There is no appeal against one of their invoices. They are only interested in getting money out of you. They 99.9% will not go as far as court and if they do they will lose.

Is this services run by one of the major chains ? I would be tempted to write their head office a letter explaining that you are being harrassed by their car park management company who obviously cannot manage their data correctly, might get a few free coffee vouchers

addyeagle

Thanks for replying - in hindsight should have posted on here first before phoning ...

what do you mean by 'when they eventually break the law'?

molerat

Eventually they will send a letter that will contravene the law. There are many on here who know more on this subject, but that is why it is worth storing any threats / "debt collector" letters / "solicitor" letters for possible later use.

addyeagle

Right. So I'm presuming then that if (when) they phone me back, neither of us should admit to being the driver or entering into any so-called Contract with these people?

peter_the_piper

Absolutely, and don't even say on this or any forum who was. PPC stooges have been known to lurk here.

addyeagle

OK thanks. Is it worth then (as you suggested, molerat) writing a letter of complaint to the HQ of this very large motorway services chain?

Coblcris

I would ask them to "please hold on for a few brief just moments while I start the recording equipment". I would start the recording equipment and I would just let them speak, assuming they don't just terminate the call after your first message.
Give no information, act as a creditor and merely ask questions or remain silent.

sarahg1969

Personally, I'd be tempted to play with them on this one. However, it really is easier to ignore them.

theartfullodger

They are a bunch of blood-sucking evil swindling b***ards who prey on the good nature of decent minded people. (Please quote me).

I wouldnae trust these crooks further than I could throw them & I have a bad back.

Never 'phone them back. never write: never answer any questions:


(If you want to waste their time) very politely & calmly, ask to speak to "their superior" then when you get him "to his superior", ask for names, location, whatever... i.e. waste their time & money.

Alternatively use the "recording equipment" stuff above..

Me, I'm on my 3rd or 4th letter from them: I have absolutely no intention of ever paying them. btw their so-called "contract" depends on signs which at the services i was done for were not at all entrances (so If you are going that way again, have a look...).

Cheers!

Lodger

PS The letters I got were legally wrong anyway (threatening legal action in the wrong court).

addyeagle

Update: after they phoned me back and I pointed out the error of their ways, without admitting to anything btw, they sent me a letter saying "they had decided" to cancel the charge after looking into the matter further. Well thanks guys, jolly decent of you!