Parking charge notice - dozens affected

Guys_Dad

I wrote to the BPA re broken machines and got this reply.

Dear Guys Dad

Further to our previous e-mail in regards to your query about broken pay and display machines. I have spoken to one of my managers who has advised the following.

Clearly “putting the customer at the heart of your thinking” would suggest that any parking systems and equipment deployed to control entry, exit and payment for parking should be in operation and motorists provided with the means to comply with any requirements for payment. To undertake enforcement action of any kind when this was not the case would be unfair. It is the adjudication services, both statutory and POPLA that would deal with this unfairness should it arise. Guidance of this kind is not something the BPA currently publishes since it is common sense to some extent and the appeals mechanism is in place.

In practice when payment devices are malfunctioning or not available common sense prevails in most cases and especially when the motorist draws attention to the fact. Most parking operators, public and private sector have routines in place to regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure that it is functioning correctly and most equipment manufactured in recent years can be monitored remotely over the internet. It is also worth remembering that in most cases, when an enforcement agent enters say a pay and display car park, the first thing they do is to check the equipment before undertaking enforcement action. This is often evidenced by then physically purchasing a ticket to prove it functions correctly; this also provides the car park operator with times, proof that the enforcement agent was present in the car park. There are a number of other similar or related working practices.

However, operators can have motorists who have received a parking charge notice claim the machine was broken to avoid having to pay to park and paying the parking charge notice. Therefore if you come across a broken machine, we would suggest you look for another machine within the car park and contact the number on the machine to let the operator know.

We hope this clarifies the position further.


I suggest that both affected people should write to the PPC, if necessary, and quote this, referring them to the BPA if they need to confirm the authenticity.

Coupon-mad

cg163 wrote: »

When I parked there for the first time as disabled, I checked on the pay & display machine (a private one, not the usual one) and it said that parking for the disabled was free. There is no notification visible to say that has changed. Is a disabled person supposed to get to the machine every time they park to see if that has changed? I'm taking my camera next time I go.

Do a short response as suggested by hoohoo within 28 days of receiving the fake PCN. DO NOT add any sentences to it as it must not say nor imply who was driving.

hockeylass

Hi everyone,

How do I go about complaining to the DVLA? I've had another letter that's now red, telling me I owe £90. I am ignoring it but I do want to make a formal complaint to theDVLA.

Hovite_2

hockeylass wrote: »

It has both on there.
I'll be complaining to those youve mentioned, and making it public (work at a local newspaper!).

The offence was may 24, and it was issued yesterday so it's taken 20 days for them to get to me! We're on the Isle of Wight by the way and the supermarket is the co-op.

I remember at the time being surprised that the machine wouldn't take my money - I just thought perhaps it was a free day or something. A woman in front of us in the queue had the same thing, so she'll be getting charged too I guess!

As you're someone connected to the press please could I ask you ensure you and your publication DON'T use the word "fine" and explain what these charges really are ? I know you haven't here but just want to make sure :money:

Coupon-mad

Send Broadsword's template to the PPC and to the DVLA:

http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php?showtopic=80531


HTH