incorrect car details and contradictions

tikkab

HELP!!!!! I received a parking ticket today, I was parked on private land, the sign said 'failure to display an appropriate permit where required will result in pen charge being applied'. As there were no signs anywhere saying permit needed I thought I was ok to park. It's in front of a drycleaners and dr's. When I returned to the car 50 minutes later after my appointment there was a parking fine on my window.

Now a couple of things, firstly the parking ticket is for a silver peauguout (I assume they mean peugeot) when I drive a gray vauxhall. The reg is correct. Secondly it says that I have 'abused patron parking' the 'no permit' box has not been ticked. Also, the sign on the wall says fines are £70, increased to £120 if it's not paid within 14 days. The back of the ticket says the fine is £100, reduced to £70 if paid within 7 days. It also says that if not paid within 7 days they will request details from DVLA, if you weren't the driver they will fine you £180 if you don't provide them, this part certainly doesn't seem legal looking at Martins post.

It says to pay immediately and then appeal/complain, which Martin says not to do. It threatens court and bayliffs if you don't pay. You can't complain/appeal over the phone it has to be done in writing and they won't handle any complaint/appeal until the fine has been paid, thus admitting liability which again Martin says not to do.

What do I do? I certainly can't afford a £70 fine and I'm so annoyed because I did check the sign before leaving the car there and it seemed to be ok. Also, my husband spoke to the drycleaners and there is a homemade printed sign in their doorway because people have suddenly started to receive tickets for parking there and they keep complaining to them.

Note this is a private parking firm that have issued the ticket (East Midlands Parking) and not a local council.

Coblcris

It is not a fine.
Do nothing except have a browse of various threads on here.

peter_the_piper

And whilst in a browsing mood watch(dog) this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAIcdi9niHA

tikkab

thanks guys i wont be payin. Should i report them about the fine for failing to disclose driver details?

trisontana

tikkab wrote: »

thanks guys i wont be payin. Should i report them about the fine for failing to disclose driver details?

It's not a "fine" and, I don't quite understand your question.

Coupon-mad

tikkab wrote: »

thanks guys i wont be payin. Should i report them about the fine for failing to disclose driver details?

If they are members of the BPA then you could Google for, and read, the BPA Code of Practice - and report them to the BPA for anything they haven't done correctly. That would include making no attempt to first establish who the driver was, and probably the lack of signage from your description.

But the BPA are spineless and party to the 'industry', so personally I wouldn't bother to report it to them. You could try reporting the scam to your local Trading Standards and see how good (or not) their advice is! Some know it's a scam, other TS areas haven't a clue and tell people to pay up! If yours is in the latter camp do tell them to watch the Watchdog clip and get real, it would be your chance to educate them to get their advice right.

Be ready to completely ignore the barrage of debt collector letters that will follow. Laugh at them and play 'snap' as you get the whole set (see Crabman's first post on the sub-forum, for examples of typical threatograms that will be issued to the registered keeper):

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

HTH

tikkab

just a quick update on this, nothing received to date at all. Looks like they don't even bother wasting time and money trying to chase and they just rely on people paying up! Glad I didn't!!