First ever pcn

winebox

I've never started a new thread before (I'm shy!) so hope it's OK to do so, my case is similar to a couple already on here so a bit repetitive, but am seeking assurance.

I had a PCN from Euro Car Parks yesterday. My car exceeded the (new) car park time limit; that car park has been free for unlimited time for years & years & the driver failed to see the miniscule sign at the top of a tall pole stating there would now be a penalty for overstaying their "welcome". So, £70, or £50 if paid within 14 days.

Having been pointed to this forum from elsewhere in mse I've been reading & reading Martin's bits & the discussions, and am now torn between disputing the ticket on the grounds of inadequate signage (true! driver didn't see any signs & would have parked elsewhere if they had as they knew they were going to be there for more than 3 hours) or...simply ignoring the whole thing.

Advice seems to lean towards ignoring, but I've never had anything like this before...feel a bit twitchy....

oldone_2

You are fairly safe in ignoring this. Euro Car Parks are not known to escalate their demands to court. What you will get is a stream of increasingly scary letters, which of course should be ignored.

pogofish

Ignore it.

This is not a PCN.

Simply file it and all other threatening letters from associated collectors etc for future evidence, on the miniscule offchance they do try to take it further.

winebox

Brainwave! I'm going to dispute it but anonymously, re just quote the ticket number & say this will not be paid & the reason cited is poor signage etc, but not put my name & address on, & also will write it in 3rd person.
I feel better for deciding that - it might put them off pursuing it but I'm not giving away my i.d.; I wasn't entirely happy about doing nothing!!

27col

Not sure why you are bothering to reply.The perceived wisdom on this and other forums seems to be to ignore all communications from them and make no communication with them.

Orford

winebox wrote: »

Brainwave! I'm going to dispute it but anonymously, re just quote the ticket number & say this will not be paid & the reason cited is poor signage etc, but not put my name & address on, & also will write it in 3rd person.
I feel better for deciding that - it might put them off pursuing it but I'm not giving away my i.d.; I wasn't entirely happy about doing nothing!!

It might seem like a brainwave, but the only thing it will acheive is that if there is ever a next time, you won't make the same mistake of contacting them.

pogofish

winebox wrote: »

Brainwave! I'm going to dispute it but anonymously, re just quote the ticket number & say this will not be paid & the reason cited is poor signage etc,

Don't waste your time - The claimed "appeals process" is a total sham. All this will achieve is prolonged harrassment of the registered keeper.

winebox

Ahem, that told me! Obviously I'm not as clever as I thought! (not that that's a new experience....)