APCOA - Unreasonable Fine Amount?

johidd

I received a Parking ticket from APCOA back in February (also at a station), at least my car did as I wasn't the driver. As advised by this and other forums, I shelved the ticket. one month later I received a demand from Roxburghe Debt Collectors telling me to pay up within 7 days or else. Interestingly, I received the demand on 26th of the month and the date of the letter was 17th of the month. Standard Roxburghe tactics to put the 'frightners' on.
I then (against all forums' advice) wrote to them using the template from this site, stating that I wasn't the driver and was not obliged to tell them who was the driver and not to contact me again etc etc. I then received the second letter within three days - this time the difference between date of letter and date of arrival was one day!! Surprise Surprise!
I replied to that using 2nd template and threatening action if they wrote again.
A couple of weeks later I receive a letter from Graham Smith solicitors threatening more stuff quoting legal precedents dating back to 1893 (I thought it was a misprint but when I checked it was correct! How desparate can they get!).
I, then, ceased writing except to OFT and the BPA to report them.
As a result, I feel completely cheated! All the forums told me that I would receive two letters from Roxburghe and two letters from Graham Smith solicitors, and then all correspondance would cease.
Well, I received two from Roxburghe and only one letter from Graham Smith solicitors, and have heard nothing more. Who can I complain to??

Listen, take advice from the experts on the forums. I only wrote my letters because I'm unemployed and have too much time on my hands, and if they were busy writing to me, then it may have prevented them pestering some one else. Good Luck and don't be harrassed.

sarahg1969

Graham White Solicitors? Aka Michael Sobell, who also works for Hackney Council? Not to be confused with Graham White & Co solicitors.

Wonder if Hackney Council know he's moonlighting?

Coblcris

I have seen the legal 'references' used by these firms.
I would probably counter with Arkell V Pressdram (1971).

sarahg1969

Coblcris wrote: »

I have seen the legal 'references' used by these firms.
I would probably counter with Arkell V Pressdram (1971).

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

andyg_prs

Hi,

I've just taken some pictures of the parking conditions from the car park to see if they make a difference but I don't seem to have permissions to upload an attachment?

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Andy

andyg_prs

....the notice in the picture suggests APCOA work with the railway...does that have any impact on the legal situation?

http://i978.photobucket.com/albums/ae270/andyg_prs/DSC00565.jpg


Thanks,
Andy

johidd

Are there any signs in the car park relating to railway bylaws. If not then then forget it.

peter_the_piper

Just chill, looking at your photo the words"we may sue" and "civil penalty" are all you need to see that its a private parking scheme and therefore can safely be ignored. Just file everything, a few more letters down the line they'll give you up as a bad job and move on to easier marks.

Alx*27

Yep, it's just a load of threatening junk that can be safely ignored.

Xstyle

Andy,
Any more update on your situation?? I'd be very interested to hear!

A friend is in exactly the same position, and I believe she went to pay via the phone, thinking it was in 14 days, and it was the 14th day, and the price jumped to £80, thereby putting her off paying, but was prepared to pay the £50 for less hassle.

Another thing is, the number plate has been ever-so-slightly been recorded incorrectly into the APCOA computers, as its correct on the ticket. ("P" instead of "D"); all other details are correct.