Grounds for formal appeal and adjudicaton?

hkw2011

Hi folks

First ever post on here, really appreciate your words of wisdom.

I received a PCN from Cheshire East Council at my local train station, just after the introduction of new charges.

When prices have been increased in other lcoal car parks previously, a red sign has been applied directly to the ticket machine stating 'new charges'. In 3 other local carparks I visited in the week following my PCN, all had had price increases applied in the same period, and all had red 'new charges' sign on the ticket machines One of these is immediately opposite the station car park. In the car park I used, the machine did show up to date prices on the machine, but it didn't have one of these 'new charges' signs . I've submitted photographic and written evidence to the council highlighting this discrepancy.

The council have replied to my appeal emphasising statutory procedures were followed (which they were - they don't extend to sticking 'new charges' signs directly on the machines). They have not commented on my submission that, over and above the statutory requirements, the council has established procedures of sticking 'new charges' notices on parking machines, that it failed to do so in the car park I used and the PCN should therefore be cancelled for procedural impropriety.

I'm now at the stage of choosing (very rapidly!) whether to proceed to formal apeal, and then potentially the ombudsman. If I do so, I lose the option to pay a 'reduced' charge of £25 vs the full £50.
Your advice appreciated on whether it's worthwhile pursuing this.

Thanks all.

Coupon-mad

It's not the Ombudsman, it's a parking adjudicator - and most people win who proceed to that stage. Especially if they get expert help, have you posted a picture of your PCN (both sides) and rejection letter on pepipoo forum yet?

http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php?showforum=30

Like everyone else on there with a Council ticket, you will be playing a game of 'all or nothing' because the 'chance' (LOLs!!) to pay the £25 [STRIKE]bribe[/STRIKE] discounted penalty will have gone. But like I said, most people win and pay nothing if they follow pepipoo experts' advice and do not miss their appeal deadlines.

I would appeal to adjudication ANY Council PCN issued for whatever reason.