Hertsmere Borough Parking Ticket

greenjellybean

I was caught by a traffic warden in October 2011. Only stayed for 10 mins but apparently was meant to get a ticket for 30 mins free parking. I didn't see the signs. And now I look at the signage, I dont think it's very clear that you need to purchase a ticket at all but anyway. I emailed immediately to explain that it was a genuine error and I didn't hear anything more for 5 months. Until March 2012 when I got a letter telling me to pay £25 within 14 days or further steps would be taken. My boyfriend told me not to pay but because I am law-abiding and these things worry me, I was going to pay it... but forgot within the 14 days. So now, Hertsmere Borough have written again to say I have 28 days to pay £50 or proceedings will take place. Would you pay? It seems, people on here with tickets from private parking companies are often advised not to pay but are borough councils a different kettle of fish?

It's daft. I know I shouldnt have been so naive to think there might still be such a thing as free parking but it has really put me off visiting this row of shops which surely defeats the object. :mad:

Thanks for any advice.

give_them_FA

If this is a ticket issued by a Civil Enforcement Officer acting for a Council, then it has the backing of the Law, (unlike a private ticket) and you cannot ignore it.

Have you received something called a Notice to Owner? That should offer you the opportunity to lodge an appeal. You might as well if you have missed the boat to pay at half price, you now have nothing at all to lose, and everything to gain, by appealing.

You sound as if you have an arguable case for saying the signs were confusing. After all if the parking was free it's not as if you were trying to avoid paying.

But you MUST address this otherwise it is like a steamroller and the cost will keep increasing. And Councils can and do enforce their fines.

What is written on the form you have received- what is it called?

Coupon-mad

Is your latest 'letter' actually a Notice to Owner?

Is there more than 6 months between the PCN and the NTO? If so they may be too late to enforce it but I am not certain so you need to ask the experts on pepipoo:

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

Start a new topic after registering and reading the FAQs and forum rules, including 'how to post pictures'. You must show the forum there pics of these 'letters' (better to tell pepipoo what the heading says, these are not all just letters but statutory Notices). Also show them a pic of the original PCN, both sides, all the small print and the rejection letter. Just cover the PCN number, car reg and your name/address; leave ALL dates visible.

And tell your boyfriend that, whilst we agree that you should not just fold and pay a Council PCN you CAN NEVER just ignore one! That's when there's a danger of bailiff charges on top! Luckily it sounds as though you are reacting in time now - Council PCNs are almost always worth continuing to appeal all the way to adjudication as most people win in the end. But only if you appeal with the right info and in time!

greenjellybean

Thank you Coupon and Give Them FA. Yes, I am in possession of a Notice to Owner. Dated 16th April - it came about 5 and a half months after my parking 'violation' - they don't half take their time huh? It does detail that I can "make a representation to Hertsmere Borough Council" within 28 days. I'm almost feeling I can't be bothered and should just pay the £50 fine but I think I will try to fill in the representation form. Can it be handwritten?

So in short, private parking companies are just trying it on but Borough Councils have the power to enforce and should be acknowledged if not immediately obeyed? I will pass that onto my boyfriend!

Thank you both

Coupon-mad

Go to pepipoo. Do not just attempt a handwritten response yourself - I bet the pepipoo posters can help you fine-tune your letter and make sure you are more than likely to win.

As for being tempted to pay - there's no point rushing to give them £50 now. If it goes to adjudication it's only a man or lady in an office deciding whether you pay £50 or nothing. I would choose the nothing, personally.

Please use the pepipoo link, register and post a pic of your paperwork, all pages. You will have a good appeal sorted by the end of the weekend if you provide them with enough info and an attempt at an appeal letter.

And yes - PPCs issue fake PCNs, always ignore one of those. Real PCNs from the Council should be appealed and no letters or Notices ignored.

greenjellybean

Coupon-mad wrote: »

Go to pepipoo. Do not just attempt a handwritten response yourself - I bet the pepipoo posters can help you fine-tune your letter and make sure you are more than likely to win.

As for being tempted to pay - there's no point rushing to give them £50 now. If it goes to adjudication it's only a man or lady in an office deciding whether you pay £50 or nothing. I would choose the nothing, personally.

Please use the pepipoo link, register and post a pic of your paperwork, all pages. You will have a good appeal sorted by the end of the weekend if you provide them with enough info and an attempt at an appeal letter.

And yes - PPCs issue fake PCNs, always ignore one of those. Real PCNs from the Council should be appealed and no letters or Notices ignored.

I have just submitted my 'case' on the Pepipoo forum. TOok me a while to get all the letters scanned etc and Im hoping I have removed all the confidential information that I should have removed. Will see what they come back with. It would be nice to save £50! I will keep you posted. Thanks again:)