Luton Airpork Parking Ticket

vfif13

I recently pulled in to the Priority Pick Up area at Luton Airport. I was collecting my 70 year old mother and having arrived well after she landed assumed my timing within the 15 mins allocated would be sufficient for her to have collected luggage and find me. Anyway, her luggage took 45 mins and she got lost so I was there for longer than I meant to be. I (naively) assumed that as it was quiet and no one moved me on (there were plenty of attendants around) that I wasnt causing a problem +I was on the phone lots trying to figure out where mum was and lost track of the time. I saw a sign about unattended vehicles being towed/ £250 fine but nothing about over-staying, until I got to the exit (literally a little label on the exit barrier was all I saw- too late!). Anyway, I got a £80 Parking Charge Notice through the post - though addressed to the respondent as my previous address and maiden name (though I have notified DVLA and got a new licence with my correct details).
So the letter was delayed in arriving. I've written back refusing to pay the excessive fine and explaining that penalty charge notice was only visible at exit and that my details were incorrect. There was no proof who was the driver (they didnt send a photo to prove if me/ registered keeper).
Is the car park at Luton private leased land or does the airport or council have authority over it? I'm outraged that this fine is so excessive - and a very high handed letter to boot. I've never had a parking ticket before but I dont think its a reasonable amount thats being demanded. But I also dont want to have to be subjected to courts or lots of stress (for health reasons) -or have my credit rating hit due to any debt recovery action which I think would also be an unfair penalty for a genuine mistake. Can anyone give me up to date advice? Thanks.

bazster

Is either you or your mother disabled (please don't give us medical details, we don't want to pry)? That is, disabled within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010:

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

What ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ mean
‘substantial’ is more than minor or trivial - eg it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed
‘long-term’ means 12 months or more

A progressive condition is a condition that gets worse over time. People with progressive conditions can be classed as disabled.

However, you automatically meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you’re diagnosed with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis.

So, you see, you do NOT have to be registered disabled or have a Blue Badge to meet these criteria.

I ask not only because they can easily be sent packing if either of you is disabled, but also because they can be made to pay.

Coupon-mad

vfif13 wrote: »

I recently pulled in to the Priority Pick Up area at Luton Airport. I was collecting my 70 year old mother and having arrived well after she landed assumed my timing within the 15 mins allocated would be sufficient for her to have collected luggage and find me. Anyway, her luggage took 45 mins and she got lost so I was there for longer than I meant to be. I (naively) assumed that as it was quiet and no one moved me on (there were plenty of attendants around) that I wasnt causing a problem +I was on the phone lots trying to figure out where mum was and lost track of the time. I saw a sign about unattended vehicles being towed/ £250 fine but nothing about over-staying, until I got to the exit (literally a little label on the exit barrier was all I saw- too late!). Anyway, I got a £80 Parking Charge Notice through the post - though addressed to the respondent as my previous address and maiden name (though I have notified DVLA and got a new licence with my correct details).
So the letter was delayed in arriving. I've written back refusing to pay the excessive fine and explaining that penalty charge notice was only visible at exit and that my details were incorrect. There was no proof who was the driver (they didnt send a photo to prove if me/ registered keeper).
Is the car park at Luton private leased land or does the airport or council have authority over it? I'm outraged that this fine is so excessive - and a very high handed letter to boot. I've never had a parking ticket before but I dont think its a reasonable amount thats being demanded. But I also dont want to have to be subjected to courts or lots of stress (for health reasons) -or have my credit rating hit due to any debt recovery action which I think would also be an unfair penalty for a genuine mistake. Can anyone give me up to date advice? Thanks.

LOL, there's up to date advice on yesterday's thread about Luton Airport - we have threads about it about once a week, easily found just by searching the parking forum for one word 'Luton'. My suggested reply to APCOA includes stuff about the Equality Act and harassment of a disabled person as well as lack of signage, late arrival of the Notice (their fault not yours) and the fact the Airport is covered by statutory byelaws and so registered keeper liability under the Protection of Freedoms Act (probably) does not apply.

Anyway here you go, this is the reply I wrote for someone yesterday, if you want to send a follow-up then tweak it to suit your situation but ONLY refer to 'the driver' in the third person:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/62223421#Comment_62223421

Wait and see what response you get and tell us whether you get a POPLA code (do not rush that appeal). APCOA do not do Court at all and this can't affect your credit rating without them winning a small claim and then you refusing to pay after a judgment (won't happen!).

Only slight trouble is you've fired off a hasty reply - please tell me you didn't admit you were driving? Hope not as you seem to know the score re the driver; although do you realise there is potentially an element of registered keeper liability these days (which is why you appeal it).

vfif13

thanks to both! Neither my mother nor I are disabled but I do think Luton airport has the worst signage I've come across and also is totally geared up to those travelling by coach rather than by car. I didnt refer to myself as the driver in my letter, in fact one of my points which I asked them to respond to was to supply evidence that I was in fact the drvier (other family members use the car!). So far not heard anything but will keep you posted if do.

vfif13

Quick update for you both- I received a letter today to say the penalty is cancelled due to lack of photographic evidence. A fair result I think and a huge relief!

Coupon-mad

That's great news - I don't think they wanted you to take all your appeal points to POPLA.