McDonalds Parking Companies on BBC1

fb1969

I was the same when the first episode covered this, but sadly they degenerated the issue into attempted humour with someone dressed at Ronald McDonald!

It makes me wonder if the solicitor contacted the programme and all-but asked to be on. Given that Consumer Chumpion Dominic "you should pay these fines" Littlewood was on the same episdoe I am surprised they didn't ask his advice!!

trisontana

The Watchdog "paper aeroplane" YouTube clip is now a sticky on PePIPoo. Is it worth doing the same on this forum?

trisontana

I emailed the Watchdog clip to Met Parking and received this reply:-

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email received on the 08/05/2010.

We are aware that both McDonald’s and MET Parking have been featured on Watchdog. If you have an appeal you would like us to deal with you may send through your Parking charge notice number.
Kind Regards,
Sara | Assistant Customer Service Manager

MET Parking Services Ltd

PO Box 64168, London WC1A 9DE

T 0845 370 8004 | F 0845 370 8002

Web https://www.metparking.com

I have just phoned Sara and asked about the programme and for her comments on it. She seemed to beleive that they are not doing anything wrong and that everything is covered by contract law which the motorist "knowingly enters into" when they drive into the car-park.

I then asked her whether they ever take anyone to court. She said that they have been requested by their various clients not to take anyone to court but that might change in the light of the TV programme.

I asked her if she was aware that they would certainly lose if a case ever went to court, she would not comment on that.

All in all a very interesting conversation.

rev_henry

trisontana wrote: »

I emailed the Watchdog clip to Met Parking and received this reply:-

Good Morning,

Thank you for your email received on the 08/05/2010.

We are aware that both McDonald’s and MET Parking have been featured on Watchdog. If you have an appeal you would like us to deal with you may send through your Parking charge notice number.
Kind Regards,
Sara | Assistant Customer Service Manager

MET Parking Services Ltd

PO Box 64168, London WC1A 9DE

T 0845 370 8004 | F 0845 370 8002

Web https://www.metparking.com

I have just phoned Sara and asked about the programme and for her comments on it. She seemed to beleive that they are not doing anything wrong and that everything is covered by contract law which the motorist "knowingly enters into" when they drive into the car-park.

I then asked her whether they ever take anyone to court. She said that they have been requested by their various clients not to take anyone to court but that might change in the light of the TV programme.

I asked her if she was aware that they would certainly lose if a case ever went to court, she would not comment on that.

All in all a very interesting conversation.

Haha, wasting a PPCs time, good effort.

trisontana

I also asked if she was aware that they can only go after the driver and not the registered keeper. She said she was, this is why they "invite" the RK to tell who the driver was. I then said that no one is obliged to disclose this information, but she would not comment on that.

rev_henry

trisontana wrote: »

I also asked if she was aware that they can only go after the driver and not the registered keeper. She said she was, this is why they "invite" the RK to tell who the driver was. I then said that no one is obliged to disclose this information, but she would not comment on that.

Well they know as well as us that their outfit doesn't stand up to scrutiny, they're just trying to take advantage of stupid people. No harm in that I don't think.

spezi

Is it right that the DVLA can disclose information about the registered keeper to a third party (other than police/proper authority) ??
I don't think I'd be able to obtain this information would I (say if someone persistently parked in my driveway and I chose to fine them ?)

peter_the_piper

Yes, you probably could get the info, but there are a lot of easier way to stop parkers but less profitable.

Coblcris

If the 'ticket' given by the Private Company gives a period for payment, as many do through deliberate mimicry of actual PCNs, and then asks the DVLA for details of Registered Keeper before that period has fully expired then this is a clear breach of the Data Protection Act.

The same is true if a council requests such details before the expiry of statutory 28 day limit for issuance of the NTO.

In the first instance described there is no 'reasonable cause'

In the second instance the Local Authority is open to challenge by the Registered Keeper. The DVLA and the Department fior Transport are fully aware of this.

Whatdoiknow

Coblcris wrote: »

If the 'ticket' given by the Private Company gives a period for payment, as many do through deliberate mimicry of actual PCNs, and then asks the DVLA for details of Registered Keeper before that period has fully expired then this is a clear breach of the Data Protection Act.

The same is true if a council requests such details before the expiry of statutory 28 day limit for issuance of the NTO.

In the first instance described there is no 'reasonable cause'

In the second instance the Local Authority is open to challenge by the Registered Keeper. The DVLA and the Department fior Transport are fully aware of this.

So how does that tie up with tickets that aren't issued and the first time you are aware of the "penalty" is when you get it through the post after they have contacted the DVLA for your details.

Thanks,

Martin