What to advise ?

Stroma

Well as things are changing now in the parking world, perhaps now is the time to discuss what we should be advising users to do. As we know there is a very good chance that they can get popla to uphold an appeal, is it time to alter the standard ignore the scammers ?

We know that outside of England & Wales , and scammers not in the AOS should be ignored, but as most invoices could involve popla I think it's time for a rethink on this, coupon is advising already to go to popla, she we all be advising this ?

Open to you all, what do you think Michael Perkins and Peter Haswell ? lol

The_Slithy_Tove

Some seem to think that going through the motions (appeal, then POPLA) will look better in the unlikely event of it going as far as court.

Personally, I would be inclined to give the PPCs as much grief as possible, costing them money and causing them hassle and administration. But going through that process requires time, some research and a level head if you want to skewer them good and proper. Ignoring is the no-effort option, as long as you're not intimidated by the fake threats.

Coupon-mad

Firstly, anyone with a fake PCN needs to check whether the firm are in the AOS scheme. Can't have new posters appealing when they should not.

-If they are not, then ignore them.

-If you are unsure, then a quick email to the DVLA to check 'can this bunch get my data as I can't see them on the AOS members list?' DVLA email = [EMAIL="FOI@dvla.gsi.gov.uk"]FOI@dvla.gsi.gov.uk[/EMAIL]

- To any Scottish posters, the answer is to IGNORE because they still have the hurdle of having to show who the driver was. Don't tell them.



Re fake PCNs from AOS members who are not banned at the time:

As you know I favour the POPLA option because it costs them money every time and we know the wording that should beat the PPCs (and also wording which will look very reasonable in the unlikely event of a PPC trying a small claim if POPLA don't play ball).

Ignoring may look less reasonable in the very rare event of a small claim, and also leaves you in the dark as to whether the PPC is basing their charge on trespass or contract, as discussed on pepipoo here by broadsword in particular:

http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php?showtopic=77301

I say we use POPLA, cost the scammers money to see their fake PCNs cancelled one after another after another. We can achieve that I am sure.

If any AOS member misses the 35 day deadline to provide a POPLA code then we tell people to wait and then point out to the PPC that they have breached the BPA code and the matter is null and void. Then the person ignores any further responses except real small claim papers (very rare). If that PPC does then tries a small claim later on, then that BPA breach would look very bad for them so they cannot win either way.

ManxRed

I am coming round to the "appeal, then appeal to POPLA including the 'show us your contract allows you to do this'" method.

Stroma

I think so Manx, I'm going to work on a standard response like Coupon does as its a lot more complicated than just saying ignore, and don't want to miss anything out.