Car Towed from Residential Car Park

vandy404

I live in a block of flats with parking managed by Parking Control Management (UK) LTD.

Earlier in the week it appears my car was towed, but due to the snow I hadn't been using my car and didn't notice its absence until this evening - I'm not sure when it was taken yet, either.

I can only assume my permit must have slipped off the dashboard, as it is most certainly in my car.

Signs are adequate.

Cost is £130 for removal of clamp, £200 for removal plus £40 per day storage.

Frankly, I fear I don't have great case - and I don't suppose goodwill and the fact I'm a legitimate user will help me.

Thoughts?

Clearly the charges are completely extortionate, and any I do pay I will pay under protest.

Was also thinking of recording any conversation I have with them. Good idea or not?

taffy056

Pay by credit card and once you have the car back phone your bank and demand a charge back because your car was illegally clamped, tell them you paid under extreme duress, and get an incident number from the police.

peter_the_piper

You may have to sue both the landowner and clamper but get advice from pepipoo.com as they are experts in this field. You will need copies of all paperwork you were given, whether you paid by c/c. Was the carpark/car covered in snow obscuring the permit. What does you lease say about your parking space.

anewman

Have many other cars disappeared? To me it seems an ideal point in time to use snow on the windscreen making the pass not visible as a pointless excuse to get a few last minute clampings in before clamping is made illegal.

If it was me I'd pay under protest and go in the car, get the pass out and get right in their face not leaving until they call the police out. (Pass in face - "what the f*** do you think this is?")

DaveF327

Are you absolutely sure it hasn't just been stolen?

anewman

PCM are well known for taking cars parked according to displayed requirements, search Pepipoo (one of those who makes it's money clamping people who have permits etc). Agree though, if car is gone and you don't know for certain it was towed, first report it stolen.

taffy056

Its important to get an incident number from the police, if your car is with the clamping firm, make sure to pay only by card, don't pay by cash as it will make it even more difficult to get your money back.

Make sure you post on pepipoo.com for advice, they will guide you step by step.

Good luck

vandy404

DaveF327 wrote: »

Are you absolutely sure it hasn't just been stolen?

I spoke to someone who said they'd been, and taken a car fitting mine's description.

Thanks for the advice.

A

peter_the_piper

An incident report is a good help in getting the c/c company to refund. The more leverage the better.

vandy404

Thanks for the advice, all. PePiPoo on it from here.