Peel Centre, Blackburn

nwspoon · 2 June 2014 at 8:42PM

OK – I have a PCN – I have read lots of threads on here and am currently wading through the FAQ section, but I am not finding anything quite like the circumstances I am dealing with – However, if I have missed something please accept my apologies if my query is already answered elsewhere and just politely point me in the right direction please.

The PCN was issued last week (Thursday) on the Peel Centre, Blackburn – reason given “Customer parking Only While on Premises”. Location given “Peel Centre” Area Code “BB1”. Now this is a large sprawling retail / leisure development near Blackburn Town centre, cut in two by a major road and encompassing nearly a dozen distinct parking areas – but all are, in fact, termed “The Peel Centre” and all are within this Postcode area, though only one side of the road seem to have this parking enforcement operator’s notice boards, which are all over the parking areas there, although I believe it is the same landowner for the whole site.

The car was driven by its registered keeper and parked at the far end of the car park as they wished to drop a passenger off first at the railway station – which is accessed from the car park here by a subway (a small part of the car park here being the Railway long stay car park and also on the Peel Centre car park is the taxi rank and station pick up point). The keeper saw her passenger on to the train and left the car here and visited three premises on the retail park over the next hour and 15 minutes (Parking enforcement firm’s restriction signs allows 4 hours, “whilst you remain on these premises” – it also clearly states the company is a BPA member – but I understand from here that they are no longer members). No purchase was made at the shop nearest the car (Matalan), but purchases with timed receipts (now saved) were made at two shops on the same park, but on the other side of the road. The PCN states 4 photos taken and was issued around 15 minutes after arrival.

A quick search online shows that plenty of other people have been caught out here and it seems the firm has no qualms about ticketing customers and apparently always rejects appeals. So my first question, is it worth appealing and do I do this online (their website offers a facility for this) or in writing? Do I try to make a case re the visiting of retail premises at around the time of PCN issue or just use the standard letter I have seen on here pointing out the inconsistencies / irregularities in their procedure – I don’t want to make things unnecessarily complicated or write myself into a corner and state things that may then be used against me.

Any advice gratefully received.

ColliesCarer · 2 June 2014 at 9:07PM

Hi nwspoon,

Who is the PPC?

The advice in the NEWBIES FAQ's is relevant to all private parking tickets as is the template 1st appeal letter.

So stop looking for something that matches the particular circumstances you describe - it's not relevant. What matters are the legal arguments in the template letter.

Sounds like this was a windscreen notice so it's usually best to wait for the postal Notice to keeper before sending off the 1st appeal but that will depend on who the parking company is as for some it's better to appeal early but still as registered keeper.

da_rule · 2 June 2014 at 9:08PM

Use the appeal in the Newbies sticky thread. You can appeal either online or by post, or both. If sending by post obtain free proof of postage from the Post Office. The arguments are not particularly technical, but the point is that they work. You can always add a further point that you were a customer and include any proofs of purchase (copies only). This sort of evidence however is completely pointless at the next stage which is POPLA. POPLA are only interested in legal arguments.

ColliesCarer · 2 June 2014 at 9:27PM

nwspoon,
Please confirm who the PPC is and whether this was a windscreen ticket.

It sounds very much like a windscreen ticket was issued for leaving the site and if so depending on who the PPC is - it may be best for to wait for the NtK before sending the appeal template letter.

Also as you believe the PPC is not a BPA member - POPLA wouldn't apply as they may be a member of the IPC who use IAS for appeals

nwspoon · 2 June 2014 at 10:02PM

Thanks for the replies - Yes it was a windscreen ticket and sorry, I didn't name the PPC after reading the sticky re posting as though I shouldn't - That is really why I was getting confused reading the FAQs as was not sure if I need to appeal now or wait for notice - PPC is C M Serivices Ltd on the PCN and in full on the signs - Comprehensive Management Services Ltd. PO Box 299, Lytham St Annes.

da_rule · 2 June 2014 at 10:07PM

In that case, wait for the Notice to Keeper to arrive through the post (assuming you are the registered keeper).

Also, instead of appealing to POPLA after the PPC you will be appealing to the IAS, as C M Services Ltd are members of the IPC rather than the BPA.

Redx · 2 June 2014 at 10:08PM

so no popla appeal , as its IPC so uses the IAS

Dee140157 · 2 June 2014 at 10:17PM

You may need more help to appeal to IAS as the appeals have to be worded differently from POPLA appeals. However lets get the first stage appeal out of the way first when the NTK arrives. You can read around more while waiting for your rejection. You will have a couple of weeks to learn.