Clyde1 (Radio): Private Parking in Scotland investigation

ianders

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS FOR SCOTLAND ONLY!!

I heard on the radio this morning on my way into work that Clyde1 (most popular radio station for Glasgow and the West of Scotland) are investigating private parking in Scotland. It featured a Glasgow Lawyer informing people that they don't have to pay them.

Hopefully this will let others know that these are unenforceable and to ignore rather than fork out their hard-earned cash.



http://www.clyde1.com/news/local/listen-clyde-news-investigates-private-parking-charges-in-scotland/

Clyde 1 News is launching an investigation into the Scottish legal loopholes surrounding car parking tickets from private firms.

A Glasgow lawyer says Scots DO NOT legally have to pay any fines at private supermarkets, hospitals and shopping centre car parks.

Refusing to pay private tickets is not a criminal offence but that is not the case for official fixed penalty notices issued by the local authority or police.

Thousands of penalty charge notices are issued every year in Scotland.

Clyde News is hearing from people who claim they're being 'bullied' 'intimidated' and 'threatened' with legal action if they do not cough up cash.

Our reporter Connor Gillies has been investigating:

*Audio removed, visit link above to listen*

This is just one letter Clyde News has obtained



This letter was issued to Fiona Hird by UK Parking Control Ltd.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “UK Parking Control Ltd is regulated by the British Parking Association and operates to the very highest standards. UK Parking Control Ltd only seeks to enforce parking charges on the basis of a legally binding contract, formed with the party using parking facilities provided on private land. In all circumstances, we ensure that the charges are proportionate and properly rendered.”

bod1467

ianders wrote: »

A spokesperson for the firm said: “UK Parking Control Ltd is regulated by the British Parking Association and operates to the very highest standards. UK Parking Control Ltd only seeks to enforce parking charges on the basis of a legally binding contract, formed with the party using parking facilities provided on private land. In all circumstances, we ensure that the charges are proportionate and properly rendered.”

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Has the Comedy Festival in Glasgow already started?

trisontana

"regulated by the British Parking Association"

As though the BPA is some sort of official regulator, instead of a private member's club that has no interest in protecting the motorist's rights.

James_N

What of course these parking company fools don't want people to realise is that Scotland is a different country. Different rules, different legal system.

These charges cannot be made to apply in Scotland under English and Welsh law.

I'd hope that, in or out, Scots all know (and celebrate) that they are different.

HO87

I presume this was a follow-up prompted by the Dundee Courier article - http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/scotland/drivers-urged-not-to-pay-private-parking-fines-1.251312

Stroma

trisontana wrote: »

"regulated by the British Parking Association"

As though the BPA is some sort of official regulator, instead of a private member's club that has no interest in protecting the motorist's rights.

Glad you picked this up, I was just going to add that since when has the BPA been a regulator?

ampersand

HO87 wrote: »

I presume this was a follow-up prompted by the Dundee Courier article - http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/scotland/drivers-urged-not-to-pay-private-parking-fines-1.251312

#
I'm nowhere near the expert status of most of you, but have left an advice pointer beneath said article.
PLEASE JUST GO STRAIGHT TO MONEYSAVINGEXPERT.COM MOTORING FORUM, SUB-BOARD - PARKING FINES, WHERE EXPERT UPDATED ADVICE AND SUPPORT IS ALWAYS ON TAP, INCLUDING ADVICE FOR SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND. DO READ THE PARKING PRANKSTER'S BLOG TOO.
SCOTLAND, THE ENGLISH SWILL BUCKET OF PPC'S IS NOT YOURS, BUT IT'S WORTH BEING AWARE OF HOW THEY OPERATE IF YOU'RE CAUGHT THERE.
*YOU WILL PAY NOTHING IF YOU FOLLOW MSE ADVICE*.

###

In fact, it's there twice! :-)

bod1467

I couldn't see where to leave any comments, and I don't see your (or any) comments. I did however tweet them about the "Thousands of penalty charge notices are issued every year in Scotland" line in the article - they are not PENALTY charges.

ianders

bod1467 wrote: »

I couldn't see where to leave any comments, and I don't see your (or any) comments. I did however tweet them about the "Thousands of penalty charge notices are issued every year in Scotland" line in the article - they are not PENALTY charges.

That's a top name you have there

ampersand

Thanks bod - I've just gone back and looked again and you're right. It is no longer there, but was during yesterday.

I had confirmation of it, too.

Ah - here it is:

ampersand22 hours ago
PLEASE JUST GO STRAIGHT TO MONEYSAVINGSEXPERT.C!OM MOTORING FORUM, SUB-BOARD - PARKING FINES, WHERE EXPERT UPDATED ADVICE AND SUPPORT IS ALWAYS ON TAP, INCLUDING ADVICE FOR SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND. DO READ THE PARKING PRANKSTER'S BLOG TOO.
SCOTLAND, THE ENGLISH SWILL BUCKET OF PPC'S IS NOT YOURS, BUT IT'S WORTH BEING AWARE OF HOW THEY OPERATE IF YOU'RE CAUGHT THERE.
*YOU WILL PAY NOTHING IF YOU FOLLOW MSE ADVICE*.


Beneath article>comments>they show oldest first[can't see reverse option]. Click 'show more' twice again.

ianders

Kevin Reynolds from the BPA speaks to Connor Gillies on 'major concerns' with private parking firms

Quite long at over 16 minutes. Connor Gillies seemed to be misinformed in some aspects and I felt myself wishing he was asking different questions.

He did mention that after lots of investigation into the Scottish court system they found out that not a single person has been taken to court over an unpaid PCN in Scotland.

https://audioboo.fm/boos/1992016-kevin-reynolds-from-the-bpa-speaks-to-connor-gillies-on-major-concerns-with-private-parking-firms