Southampton Town Quay

bazster

Much too complicated. Newspaper journos are simple creatures, they will not know what POFA is or be bothered to look into it, they expect to be spoon-fed. And they want emotion, not legalese.

You want something more like this:

Hi, like lots of people I've received a ridiculous fake parking fine from ParkingEye for parking at Southampton Town Quay. I challenged ParkingEye over this, and they've just replied that they've put the fine on hold because they are waiting to hear from DVLA about this site. It turns out that they are being investigated by DVLA over issuing fines to vehicle owners at this site where, legally, they have no right to fine vehicle owners because of the port byelaws (please see the [linked/attached] letter).

I thought you might be interested because you've run ParkingEye stories before, such as this one where DVLA said they were investigating: http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/1098..._fight/?ref=eb


And this is the letter to link/attach:

And yes I know the use of the words "fines" and "owners" isn't accurate, but there's no point in getting technical with journalists.

If they want to run a story they will contact you, so make sure you give your 'phone number.

As regards your appeal, although the BPA Code of Practice does allow them to take longer than 35 days in "exceptional circumstances", they are required to notify you of a date by which you will get a resolution. So if you wait 'til the 35 days are up and they haven't given you a revised date, write to them stating that they are out of time and you deem your appeal accepted.

PARKHEAD

Good job I posted it before sending the email..


I understand your reasoning and I like your terminology.


Time for action.

bazster

PARKHEAD wrote: »

Good job I posted it before sending the email..


I understand your reasoning and I like your terminology.


Time for action.

I've been talking to a local journo myself about such matters, she glazes over whenever it gets technical....

Dee140157

My local journo who ran a story needed hand holding through the legal points. Luckily enough as I speak to her often due to the nature of my job, we had a relationship and she was prepared to listen and learn.

But the more you wrote the story like a press release on the email and the less they have to do to make it into a story the better.

So imagine you are writing the story for maximum impact and send an email like that.

If you can put something in that they can use as a direct quotation even better,

Eg "I think it is disgusting that the cinema employ a company who knowingly continue to break the law by saying people should pay a parking charge when they do not have to. "

Journals like simple clear quotations.

Effectively I would say write the email as if you were writing to a class of 14 year olds who have no knowledge of the law and you will pitch it right.

I would write something along these lines:

Hi

I just thought you should know that Parking Eye at Town Quays are under investigation for their attempts to gain money out of registered keepers under false pretences.

They claim the registered keeper is liable if a driver doesn't pay one of their so called "fines" which of course aren't fines.

So quoting the Protection of Freedom Act 2012 they try to extort money out of the registered keeper of the car. They use all sorts of threats and even try to take people to court for this.

I think it is disgustong that the management of town Quays continue to use such a dodgy parking company.

BenefitMaster

The_Slithy_Tove wrote: »

Hee hee. I wonder who may have shopped them :-)


For once, this may actually fall under the BPA's "exceptional circumstances" where they can extend the 35 days. Though they do have to tell you this, and set a date by when you can expect resolution.

It wasn't me...

But I do know who it was ;-)

Dee140157

Ooh deep mystery. Guess I have just lost my stake since my bet was on you!

BenefitMaster

Dee140157 wrote: »

Ooh deep mystery. Guess I have just lost my stake since my bet was on you!

No, I'm co-ordinating the efforts to have PE and ABP actually prosecuted for Fraud.

PARKHEAD

Good news............the vermin PE have cancelled the 'charge'.


After I recently wrote a very strong letter of complaint they have seen sense and backed down.


I hope all the other people who are waiting for a PE response for this and all the other car parks will have the same success.


The other matter is ongoing!!


Big thanks to everyone who helps on this forum..keep up the excellent work.


I never knew how widespread this problem is and I agree there is a big whiff of conspiracy between DVLA and BPA (Govt as well?).