question about pcn

maddyme

I recently received a pcn for being a little over the two hours free parking time.The say they have photographic evidence of me entering and leaving the carpark. but have I got an argument about the time spent 'parking' as most times cars are waiting to get in the carpark and then find a space and also waiting behind other cars to leave the carpark to drive onto a busy two lane road.My question is, could the camera have taken me waiting to leave the carpark.That in my opinion is not going over the 'parking' period, as it's not my fault if it takes me longer to get a space and also to leave? would welcome any replies, thanks.

trisontana

Was it a private or council run car park?

maddyme

HI, it was a private car park and the ticket/invoice I received through the post was from Parking Eye.

peter_the_piper

They do not have a photo of YOU entering and leaving, the only have a piccy of the car. Its very unlikely that their photo would be good enough to show who the driver is as they are concentrating on the number plate. Just ignore them and don't reply/contact or acknowledge any form of communication and they will go away sooner.

maddyme

Would it change the situation if I have already rung them to enquire which carpark they were referring to and questioning the charge, just for a few minutes?

ben500

It will have encouraged them certainly but it doesn't have a bearing on the validity of the invoice unless you admitted being the driver at the time and place stated on the invoice. Even then they can only pursue for "Actual loss" not the mortgage sized payment they are demanding. There are plenty here who can provide more specific advice [STRIKE]should[/STRIKE] when they start pestering you.

maddyme

Thank you for your replies. Don't think I admitted being the driver, I just enquired as to where the alleged offence took place and commented at such a high charge for about ten minutes. I just wondered if there was a valid dispute about how long the car was actually 'parked' as I don't agree with being charged the extra time re: entering and leaving carpark.

Sir_Roger_deLodger

maddyme wrote: »

Thank you for your replies. Don't think I admitted being the driver, I just enquired as to where the alleged offence took place and commented at such a high charge for about ten minutes. I just wondered if there was a valid dispute about how long the car was actually 'parked' as I don't agree with being charged the extra time re: entering and leaving carpark.

No such thing as a "valid dispute" with these people. They just want your money.
Don't contact them again.
You will receive three letters from Parking Eye, then two or if you are lucky three from an outfit called CCS Collect, threatening court, bailiffs, ruined credit rating etc etc. Its all a scam, ignore them and when they realise you are not playing ball they will slink back to the bottom of their pond.
Oh, and its not an offence, alleged or otherwise.

maddyme

Thanks, it's been a worrying time since I received it, it's nice to know there is support for people like me who feel alone, afraid and don't know who to turn to for help.

Coupon-mad

maddyme wrote: »

Thanks, it's been a worrying time since I received it, it's nice to know there is support for people like me who feel alone, afraid and don't know who to turn to for help.

You are not alone:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.html?f=163

Read other people's posts on the link above; seek out those that are about any private parking ticket and you will see that the replies you have had are correct. Read on until you feel comfortable with ignoring the scam ticket (I am in the same position as you but in my case it's a different PPC and it is a close relative who is currently ignoring letters and laughing when they arrive!).

Stay strong and keep ignoring all their lying correspondence, even when you get pretty colour letters that look as they they 'may' take you to court. They won't!

winebox

Hi maddyme, not sure if this helps at all but I had a ticket on my windscreen from euro car parks - in a retail park - 3 months ago which I ignored, & yesterday received their "invoice" in the post (where's the postal strike when you need it?) as they've obtained my name & address from the DVLA.

Now debating whether to follow forum advice & continue to ignore, or Martin's advice to send a note stating it will not be paid & cite poor signage (all genuine - if the driver had seen the signs the car would've been moved as a long stay was always intended, & the car park has had no restrictions for the last 10 years so it's a major change!) & as Martin says to make it clear I know my rights & hope they don't bother with me.

Being lazy, will probably file & ignore (just like being in work, really :rotfl:)

Just so's you know you're in "good" company!!