Limited Ways to Pay a PCN

Hoplite

I recently recieved a Parking Charge Notice from a Private Parking Company for parking on private land at the back of pub. The signage wasn't particularly obvious, but when I saw I had a ticket on my car, I went looking for the signs I did manage to find them. Whilst I find it frustrating that customers of the pub are not charged, i guess fair is fair and it's probably right that I should pay.

The thing is, The ticket I received said I could pay 24/7 online, 24/7 by telephone, by cheque or cash to the registered office.

The problem is, the payment website provided doesn't exist, the telephone number is no longer active and I don't have a cheque book. But I'm concerned that if I sent cash, the guy could simply take it and say the envelope was empty when he received it.

The reason I'm concerned is that company is a one-man-band operation (the guy has had previous companies in similar name which seem to have been dissolved for not providing accounts) and a little research has led me to discover he's a character of somewhat sceptical business practices.

I guess my question is if the ways to pay shown on the ticket are not accessable, does that make the ticket invalid? I really don't want to have to send this guy cash.

I'd really appreciate some advice on this.

thanks

benjus

Have a read of some of the other threads on this forum regarding private parking tickets... you should get the idea that paying them is not necessary.

You seem to feel that you have a moral obligation to pay. However, I wouldn't want this dodgy outfit to see a penny of my money. You could always contact the landowner (presumably the pub) and offer them a fair settlement for use of their land.

Oh, and it's not a PCN... PCN stands for "Penalty Charge Notice"; these can only be issued by public bodies such as local councils. Using the phrase "Parking Charge Notice" is simply an attempt to confuse people into thinking that they have received a PCN.

Stroma

This sounds like someone who can't contact you unless you contact them first. If you can't find the company below, under no circumstances pay as they have no legal way to get your keeper details from the dvla

http://www.britishparking.co.uk/AOS-Members

By the way what is the name of the company, even if on this list it doesn't mean they should be paid.

Hoplite

Thanks guys.

On the "Park Charge Notice", the company called "N Force Security Ltd", although actually this company was dissolved last year and the same guy set up "N Force Security Limited" in Jan this year with a new company number. Neither seem to be on that AOS register.

I did find a couple of forum's online where car owners had complained this guy used to sit in his tow truck outside the pub and clamp cars as soon as the owner left, then intimidate them into paying cash to release the clamp (rather than debit card). The same car owners went back to the landlord to complain only to find out that the clamper was a regular at the pub. That said, I can't verify any of this as fact, merely what I have read online.

Stroma

Clamping on private land without authority is now illegal, it's a criminal offence to clamp now. This company should be ignored completely, don't contact them at all. If you find yourself with letters through the letterbox come back to us.

pogofish

Hoplite wrote: »

I guess my question is if the ways to pay shown on the ticket are not accessable, does that make the ticket invalid? I really don't want to have to send this guy cash.

This lowlife's "ticket" was never valid to begin with!!

There is no way on earth you should be entertaining the idea of actually paying it! :eek:

edward123

Out of curiosity, how much is the 'company' asking you to pay them?

Whatever it is DO NOT PAY THEM and DO NOT FEEL YOU OUGHT TO EITHER!

nigelbb

What makes you think that what this guy is doing is any more legitimate than these cases? http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/motorists-in-sale-targeted-in-fake-parking-870763
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2112229/Conman-fake-parking-tickets-home-tried-convince-150-motorists-send-payment-him.html
http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/article/54078/disabled-parking-fines-scam-gang-forced-to-pay-back-thousands
http://www.themissinglist.co.uk/police-appeal/news/police-warning-as-woman-issued-with-fake-parking-ticket-bury-st-edmonds/?magic_tabs_appdets_callback_tab=0&referer=node%2F42148
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/suffolk-police-warn-drivers-of-fake-121914

Windymill3r

hi - this is an interesting find. I also recieved a ticket from this guy yesterday (N Force Security LTD), for parking in a pub car park (The Chequers in Woodley, Berks). Similarly I was going to pay as I did park there to run to the bank (was gone 5 mins) as opposed to going the pub - fair enough I thought, however when I read the URL of his "24/7" payment site (nforce.keyivr.co.uk), I thought it looked odd & when I tried to access it unsuccessfully I started digging & found this thread as well as others about this company's business practices.

The number I have on the parking charge notice does seem to work (0844) 304 0160 - is this different from the one you have Hoplite?

My main question to other more seasoned members, is what can this guy do legally? Can he actually request my address details from the DVLA & take me to court?

I don't really have the time for a full on dispute but also don't want to pay him if he doesn't have a leg to stand on & is just trying it on & it is likely to not ever follow up.

Any comments/advice greatly appreciated

Stroma

He can't do anything legally as he cannot legally get your registered keeper details from the dvla. If he does come back here for further advice, it would have been done not legitimately.

So don't do anything, and certainly don't pay them anything at all.

Coupon-mad

Hoplite wrote: »

Thanks guys.

On the "Park Charge Notice", the company called "N Force Security Ltd", although actually this company was dissolved last year and the same guy set up "N Force Security Limited" in Jan this year with a new company number. Neither seem to be on that AOS register.

I did find a couple of forum's online where car owners had complained this guy used to sit in his tow truck outside the pub and clamp cars as soon as the owner left, then intimidate them into paying cash to release the clamp (rather than debit card). The same car owners went back to the landlord to complain only to find out that the clamper was a regular at the pub. That said, I can't verify any of this as fact, merely what I have read online.

Windymill3r wrote: »

hi - this is an interesting find. I also recieved a ticket from this guy yesterday (N Force Security LTD), for parking in a pub car park (The Chequers in Woodley, Berks). Similarly I was going to pay as I did park there to run to the bank (was gone 5 mins) as opposed to going the pub - fair enough I thought, however when I read the URL of his "24/7" payment site (nforce.keyivr.co.uk), I thought it looked odd & when I tried to access it unsuccessfully I started digging & found this thread as well as others about this company's business practices.

The number I have on the parking charge notice does seem to work (0844) 304 0160 - is this different from the one you have Hoplite?

My main question to other more seasoned members, is what can this guy do legally? Can he actually request my address details from the DVLA & take me to court?

I don't really have the time for a full on dispute but also don't want to pay him if he doesn't have a leg to stand on & is just trying it on & it is likely to not ever follow up.

Any comments/advice greatly appreciated

Pleeeeease take note of the simple facts as already advised. Now that clamping/towing is a criminal offence, these crims are stuffed!

A parking company which is NOT a member of the BPA AOS cannot get your details, cannot write to you at all, cannot do anything unless you are daft enough to contact them and give your details on a plate.

They rely on idiots contacting them.