Parking Charge Notice

Mr.Spock

My son was parked for about 5 minutes on double yellow lines in a road that supposedly has no public right of way despite having several businesses and the town's Royal Mail sorting office. He was actually in the car and waiting for me when an operative from UK Car Park Management (CPM) slapped a PCN on the windscreen. You only see the warning signs after you've received a ticket. The car is registered to me but I did not contest the PCN as that would have meant providing my details. Any hope that they were not DVLA approved was dashed when I received a formal demand in the post on Friday for £100 and photographic evidence. We all know this is just a money making scheme, if it wasn't he would have simply moved my son on. I can of course appeal but know the chances of success are zilch. Anyone got any sound advice/first hand experience of these people?

Umkomaas

Mr.Spock wrote: »

My son was parked for about 5 minutes on double yellow lines in a road that supposedly has no public right of way despite having several businesses and the town's Royal Mail sorting office. He was actually in the car and waiting for me when an operative from UK Car Park Management (CPM) slapped a PCN on the windscreen. You only see the warning signs after you've received a ticket. The car is registered to me but I did not contest the PCN as that would have meant providing my details. Any hope that they were not DVLA approved was dashed when I received a formal demand in the post on Friday for £100 and photographic evidence. We all know this is just a money making scheme, if it wasn't he would have simply moved my son on. I can of course appeal but know the chances of success are zilch. Anyone got any sound advice/first hand experience of these people?

The chances of success at POPLA are anything but zilch. In fact, by following forum guidelines and with some support from us, the prospects of success are, on past performance in hundreds of cases over the past 12 months, 100%.

Have a look at the NEWBIES sticky at the top of the forum index and after a good read, come back if there are any questions. If you are going to draft your POPLA appeal after reading the above, flash it up here for fine tuning advice before submission.

Just to reiterate, your case is far from hopeless; it is very winnable.

Coupon-mad

I can of course appeal but know the chances of success are zilch.

Where did you get that idea from? Not read the NEWBIES thread yet we assume? 100% win rate!

Mr.Spock

Thanks for the advice. I feel more positive if somewhat overwhelmed by all the info. OK first I need to contest the notice. I plan to use the 'first appeal' template but I think it will need some tweaking. I can't be sure the signage doesn't comply with ATA code of practice so probably best not to include. The contravention on the ticket is very clear 'No parking outside of a designated area/parked on private property in contravention of the site parking restrictions displayed' i.e. car was parked on double yellow lines so not a case of a missing or expired ticket. I don't think I can claim the notice failed to make that point clear. Do I omit the section relating to 'contractual fee' as this did not involve a car park? The 'take formal note' section is all relevant. Should I comment on their poor photography skills? The rear number plate cannot be read, unfortunately the front one can just about. Is it worth mentioning that the notice was issued with the driver in the car? Sorry lots of questions but want to get it right.

Dee140157

Yes you can be sure the signage doesn't comply. It never does. And even if it did the onus is on them to prove this, so do include this point. Its about size, height, imprecise language etc. I doubt you even know the ways it won't comply.

However since this UKCPM as mentioned in the Newbies thread we do need to see picture of the sign.

Don't respond to private messages of help. Wait for an experienced forum member to come along and help. Thesre is specific advice for this PPC I believe.

Coupon-mad

Don't change the template, all of it is relevant including the signage part. Believe us!

Is it worth mentioning that the notice was issued with the driver in the car?

Nope, absolutely pointless. The template has the basis of a winning appeal in it and it's not about what happened or about whether the car was empty.

Mr.Spock

Thank you all for your helpful replies. I will get a photo of the signage tomorrow. Certainly easiest to send the template wording unamended. Is it also worth adding that the rear number plate shot is unreadable in their photo or do I save that for POPLA appeal? It was taken from inside operative's car with rain spluttered windscreen!

Mr.Spock

I'd hoped to submit an image of the parking sign to have it checked out for non-compliance but it seems as a new user I can't send links:(

Hot_Bring

I really wouldn't worry too much about the signage photo but if you do still want to post it then use Tinypic and just remove the http:// from the link.

Stroma

Yes you can , just host the image on tinypic or similar, then place the link here minus the http://www part of the link, we will do the rest for you

Mr.Spock

dropbox.com/s/vu0kxv18smszpox/WP_20140522_004-20140522-191705566.jpg

Would appreciate knowing if this sign is in any way non-compliant.