TCP & Sainsburys

Epaphus

Hi,

Just returned from Sainsburys clutching an unexpected present from "TCP" - yes, a "parking fine". I normally don't visit during the daytime, I suffer from Bipolar and am prone to severe panic/anxiety attacks, thus late night shopping is better for me (fewer people).
I parked in a disabled bay as there were so many available and it meant shorter exposure for me, something I always do at night.
After 5 minutes shopping I returned to my car to discover my "present", demanding I pay £30 within 14 days, £60 thereafter or appeal using their website.
Thankfully, when I typed "TCP Appeals" into Google this website displayed alongside. Many thanks for being there, being mentally impaired I cannot work and thus am one of "Cameron's IDS scroungers" and unable to afford fines (before people question, my family pay for my car).
After reading your forum, I'll be turning a deaf ear to TCP.
Thanks for your work.

Half_way

Sorry to hear about your parking problems, the usual course of action with this type of ticket is to ignore it.

however as you say that someone else pays for your car, then whoever is the registered keeper will get the fake parking scam tickets, and they should ignore them, make ure that the registered keeper is aware of the scam.

Secondly you state this

I suffer from Bipolar and am prone to severe panic/anxiety attacks, thus late night shopping is better for me (fewer people).
I parked in a disabled bay as there were so many available and it meant shorter exposure for me, something I always do at night.

To me that sounds like you have a just reason to use a disabled bay - even if you dont have a blue badge ( the blue badge issue is not important ) and as such your condition may be protected under the Equalities act - im not to sure on the inns and outs of this, but someone else may be able to advise further with this.
Although on the surface it sounds like you should have access, and you have been discriminated against by Sainsburrys, and their agents (TCP parking)

So what next? expect a threatening eltter demanding that you pay up £££s ofr else all sorts of nasty things may happen, from there ( if you want to pursue things and stop any more letters ) respond to this parking charge notice detailing your condition, reminding them of the equalities act, from then on the letters should stop.
if the letters dont stop, then you should get in touch with the sSainsburys store and tell them that you will hold them jointly liable for the actions of thier agents ( TCP) parking if you continue to be harrased by either Sainsburys or their agents, TCP parking.

dont forget that without the permision of Sainsburrys TC~P parking would be unable to opperate, and Sainsburrys should be ultimatly responsable for the actions of those operating on their land/ on their behalf.

give_them_FA

Very good post by half_way, I will add that as TCP don't do court they will be the only possible losers from this by paying to find the keeper details and sending the boring toilet paper in the vain hope of getting someone to pay their fake ticket.

I am sure you have more important things to be doing than worrying about them!

Half_way

Without the permission of Sainsburys , TCP couldnt opperate on Sainsburys car parks, and if possible the problem of the over zealous PPC should be cut off at source, and in that case the buck stops at Sainsburys.

one letter to both Sainsburys and TCP detailing your condition and why your entitled to park where you parked and a pointed reminder about the equalities act should do, from there you will either get an apology from TCP, or a letter saying apeal rejected, next stop another letter to Sainsburys, and TCP, followed by a notice before action.

As for the how on earth can you stop this if people who are entitled dont need blue badges, a simple letter saying why you parked where you did, should be the end of things.

Coupon-mad

Half_way you are exactly right - it's a breach of the Equality Act 2010 and the OP could sue for compensation if they make their condition known now, and still get harassed. I would not actually remind them about the Equality Act though, that is clearly for them to know as it is very important and pretty clear legislation. It is enough for a customer to give details about their condition and need to park there.

As usual this is IMHO as an ex Disability Service Manager (at a specific disability advice service). But I am CERTAIN of my view because the law isn't even that hard to understand for service providers (retailers et al).

Epaphus - you have a long term life-affecting condition which is considered 'protected' under the Act and you can use a disabled bay nearer to the store for that reason. In your case it seems to me you would need a close bay to help cope with your severe panic attacks, due to BiPolar Disorder. I am convinced you can sue for compensation but first you must write and make the retailer and the PPC aware of your 'long term condition and that you understand you are lawfully entitled to use a disabled bay on private land. Any further contact regarding this matter will be harassment'. Keep a copy.

If they refuse to accept this and/or you keep getting scary letters about it, then come back here and we can talk you through an apparently fairly simple 'moneyclaim' online to try to get compensation. In your claim you include the cost of the claim as well which is less than this fake parking ticket and fully refundable!

Surely a monetary remedy of four figures is waiting for the first protected disabled person to do this against a large retailer - it is crying out to be done!

fil_cad

Epaphus, just ignore the scammers there hopeing to suck your money off you to line there filthy bank account! they will send you official looking garbage through the post, its very handy to secure a wobbly table or shred to make a nice warm bed for a pet hampster, at the end of the scamming begging letters they allways GIVE UP!:money:

Epaphus

Many thanks for the extremely helpful and reassuring responses to my post.
I have obtained the email details for TCP & my local Sainsburys, and will be making them of my intentions and disability.
I'll keep the site updated with my trials.
Thanks Again!

bondy_lad

would not advise you to contact them,, just ignore this scam.

Coupon-mad

bondy_lad wrote: »

would not advise you to contact them,, just ignore this scam.

Not normally no, but in this case the OP is preparing the way to SUE the retailer for compensation.