Advice on Parking Charge Appeal Letter

NFRJames

Hi there, first time poster, have been having a read since receiving a parking charge two weeks ago which I am looking to appeal.

I have read through the sticky posts and tried to get my head around everything but I just have a few questions.

I was issued a parking charge in Exeter by Premier Parking Solutions for overstaying my parking by 8 minutes. I was actually returning to my car to extend my parking for the rest of the day having got more change for the machine, when we saw the ticketer drive off in a van. I had a ticket stuck to the window for a £100 charge, reduced to £60 if I paid within 14 days.

As I work for a law firm I have taken some advice from a solicitor, and although he has not dealt with this type of charge before he has written me an appeal letter. I just have some questions regarding this letter that I would like some advice on before I send it off

1) The drafted letter specifically identifies me as the driver, however that seems to be wrong from my research, should I rewrite this to refer to the driver as the third person?

2) My reasoning for appeal is the 'not a genuine pre-estimate of loss' clause, however this is worded to say that 'I feel this is disproportionate to the damage suffered by your clients'. Is there a specific wording I need to use for this, or is either OK?

3) The final paragraph states that I wish them to extend the time for paying the reduced charge until they have read my letter. I was just unsure about whether this implies that I am willing to pay a charge and whether it should be excluded.

4) My final thought was to whether I should print this letter on my firm's headed paper, if this would have any effect on how they view the appeal or whether it is a bad idea even?

I can send across a copy of the letter if anybody would like to give me any advice on this it would be gratefully received. Many thanks for taking the time to read.

James

Umkomaas

I bet you're now glad you've come here and are not going to take any further 'advice' from your 'learned colleague'. That's some of the worst advice I've ever seen!

You must wait for the Notice to Keeper, do not make contact with the PPC until after receiving that. It should arrive between 29 and 56 days after the parking event.

Read the NEWBIES FAQ sticky and follow that advice, not that of your law firm!

PS - did he charge you for that letter?

NFRJames

Thanks for the reply, I understand my colleague wasn't sure on this sort of matter, hence asking for the second opinion. He has helped another colleague in the past with regard to overstaying free parking but he said he wasn't sure on the legality of paid parking and was fairly reluctant to write the letter.

He didn't charge for the letter. He is a good friend and I'm sure he was only trying to help.

My charge notice says I should appeal within 28 days of issue. Is this right that I still continue to wait for the notice to keeper and I can still appeal after then?

Dee140157

Yes definitely wait for NTK and then appeal.

And I would send your friend to have a look at the newbie thread to learn about how to handle in the future for any other friends!

Umkomaas

By 'charge notice' do you mean the windscreen ticket? If so, yes, await the NtK, no contact with the PPC until receipt of it.

NFRJames

Yes, the ticket that was on my window. Thanks, I'll wait for it to arrive