Northern MAPS - Unfair Charge?

Emma86

Hi There,

I've been reading through all the advice on here - very useful and wondered if anyone could help me?

This evening I've received a charge from Northern MAPS (Managed Agent Parking Services). The story is, I've recently moved in to a new flat and parked my car in my allocated space. I've noticed the signs about the potential for fines etc, and when i asked my estate agent he told me they were just warnings and they didn't actually operate.

Well, obviously tonight I received a fine. I've only been in the flat for 7 days and haven't received a permit or anything. The ticket states that i'm parking unauthorised and not displaying a permit.

Do you think I should appeal or just ignore it? I think I'm in a good position but i know what these company's are like and they'll just ignore me.

Can any one help?

Thanks,

Emma - worried in Leeds :sad:

Coupon-mad

Dear Emma,

Welcome to MSE!

YOU DID NOT GET A FINE!!!

It's a scam, do NOT 'appeal' as it will just be an admission of who was driving (which they currently do not know for certain...could be anyone with a licence and car insurance, even me - not just named drivers on your own policy).

Read the sticky threads by Crabman (at the top) and watch the Watchdog video linked on one:

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

HTH, don't even consider taking this fake PCN seriously! It really is a con, believe me, even though your Flats' Managing Agent has presumably authorised those scammers to carry out their protection racket in the car park, that does not make it a real fine.

There is no comeback if you ignore it, just threatogram letters sent to the registered keeper (scans of the letters are in the top sticky under various private parking companies - PPCs to us here - they all use the same types of letters).

Do not take the bait, do not respond. File it and all the threats, and they will just give up.

I would ask the Agent for a permit if you need one - but if your lease allows you to park in that space then you may wish to take the opposite view!

If you have a space as part of your lease and the lease states this, then TELL the Flats' Managing Agent (whoever you pay ground rent to) in no uncertain terms that any tickets on your car in YOUR space would be trespass and that you are not entering into their useless permit scheme. It's obviously your choice whether to take this stance or whether to accept their 'permit scheme' (check out your lease t&cs to see you you have the right to park in a space).

But certainly ignore any fake PCN and the letters which may follow, as shown in our top thread. All hot air, do not even THINK about paying the scammers.

pogofish

Ignore it, its not a fine and if your parking space is covered by your deeds/lease, give the managing agent merry hell for allowing these cowboys to disturb your "quiet enjoyment."

As for MAPS - ignore them.

esmerobbo

According to their website the Agents just squash the charge if the tenant is authorised to park.

http://www.northern-maps.co.uk/

I would ignore the PPC but tell the management agency to deal with it!