Photographed for a Parking Ticket.

Padstow

While driving to purchase some bedside tables today, I was listening to a debate on 5Live where Lincoln City have been left with no Traffic Wardens due to the amount of aggro they receive from the public. The presenter was saying to just allow 5 minutes grace. I was wondering what was the point of 5 minutes?
However, tables ordered, I said I just had to call in to the dog groomer before returning.

I stopped on a single yellow outside the groomers to collect some shampoo. He released the dog being groomed on the table, pumped some shampoo into a bottle, told me how to use it, and I left, to a warden at my car.

The ticket was not on my screen, in fact after chatting to me he wound this thing out like a bus conductor from my childhood. He said to appeal it as I'd been gone for such a short time.
I felt I was being played with as a cat with a mouse as I asked what was the point of appealing and he took a picture of me beside the car as proof of my being there with him plus another of my tax disc.

Writing this down, I'm realising why I feel so upset. It's the taking of my photo where people were watching and listening. Does a parking offence really warrant such a thing?

I was intending to pay up without appeal, but the picture taking was a step too far, I felt and still feel, so humiliated. It may mean nothing to most here, but I'd rather a straight fine than be photographed. What happens to that photograph also?

I mentioned the bedside tables, as the seller had a won appeal pinned to his wall from the same street. He had though to prove with receipt that he was delivering. They suggested he employed someone to stand at his van!

Iceweasel

Was this a pre-arranged collection from the dog-groomer?

i.e. Did the dog-groomer know that you were coming to pick up the shampoo?

If so you were 'loading'.

I take it this was not a No Loading Zone.

There is no definition of loading, as such, and 'loading does not to be seen, for loading to be taking place'.

i.e. You do not need a van or a truck and you do not have to be walking back and forth carrying boxes and such - a single package will do.

Someone better versed in writing appeals is needed to help you correctly word the appeal letter.

The_Slithy_Tove

Padstow wrote: »

Writing this down, I'm realising why I feel so upset. It's the taking of my photo where people were watching and listening. Does a parking offence really warrant such a thing?

You were in a public place. Anyone is perfectly at liberty to take a photo of you or anyone else. Forget that aspect, it's irrelevant.

If you want to appeal, get over to the Council Parking Tickets & Clamping and Decriminalised Notices forum on Pepipoo where they have experts in the field of coucil tickets.

Coupon-mad

Padstow wrote: »

I mentioned the bedside tables, as the seller had a won appeal pinned to his wall from the same street. He had though to prove with receipt that he was delivering. They suggested he employed someone to stand at his van!

You do realise that most people win on appeal, this isn't rare? It's not unusual but what people don't know is that they will get a rejection to the FIRST appeal. Just need to appeal it further and forget the bribe of the early ''discount'' (as winners pay nothing, and most people do win). Pepipoo will help you.

Padstow

Thanks everyone. Yes the collection was prearranged. My dog was booked for grooming that day, but the night before, I picked a flea from his head. I rang the groomer early who advised not to bring him in but to call for this special shampoo, not even a purchase. So yes it was a pick up, no lying required. Do I say all that in a letter? The ticket by the way says, "observed for one minute." No wonder so many shops have shut.

So when I deliver and pick up my dog when he's groomed in future, that is allowed? I would think so, as dogs are classed along with household appliances as far as the Law is concerned.

spacey2012

Do you mean the times are from observed to issued one minute or have they written "observed one minute"
can I just ask you "WHO" has given you this ticket, sounds a bit fishy for a council ticket.

Padstow

spacey2012 wrote: »

Do you mean the times are from observed to issued one minute or have they written "observed one minute"
can I just ask you "WHO" has given you this ticket, sounds a bit fishy for a council ticket.

The Traffic Warden is legit, it's a small market town and I only know of two wardens here. He I recognised. Thursday is deserted, the street I stopped on having one or two cars parked, but that could be due to the diligence of the TWs.

The ticket states; 25/07/2013
Time of contravention 15.26

Observed from 15.25 to 15.26.

That's it. Then what to pay and how to pay it.

He hadn't issued the ticket when I came out. He did that while I was stood talking to him. He wound it out from a machine and put it in a plastic bag with a brown envelope and told me to appeal. Do they always advise that?

He's either a good actor saying I should appeal. "I can't cancel it in case I'm accused of taking bribes." Or he's a sadist knowing I don't stand a chance. He laughed when I said I hoped it would make a difference that I received pension credit.

I was ready to pay up, my gripe being that I was photographed, plus all this conducted in front of a group of Polish people. Now I'm feeling annoyed that I can't stop for a minute to collect something without being pounced on. I so appreciate the help you are giving.

zzzLazyDaisy

Padstow wrote: »

I was ready to pay up, my gripe being that I was photographed, plus all this conducted in front of a group of Polish people.

Just curious what is about Polish people that made your experience so much more distressing?

halibut2209

Was this Monks Road by any chance?

Iceweasel

None of the things that seem to be bothering you about getting this ticket are going to get this quashed.

It's a combination of the one minute and loading a pre-arranged collection, that will do the trick.

Best get proper help to word the appeal, and miss out all the other stuff about a dog with fleas, Pension Credit, and Polish folks.

Buzby

And photography - you could just as easily have taken one of him. Grace periods are not enshrined in any law, but if you were on a SYL you had a valid reason if allowed by the street signs what did they say?

Or was it a DYL? If so, it is a slam dunk.