Apcoa 'fine'

ctiney

Parked behind York station recently, paid the parking using Apcoa's Text method and then waited for them to text asking for my number plate. Nothing, so I texted that to the only number I had (the one on the machine). Then I caught my train and lost my signal for a while. When I arrived at destination I got message asking for number plate. I sent it when I could. In the meantime (based on the date/time on the 'ticket') an operative had given me a number plate.
So far, understandable, but looking on the 'ticket' and on Apcoa's website the only way to appeal is by post. So they are telling me to pay for a stamp to prove I have paid for parking at their car park. I emailed pointing out (fairly brusquely) that it was unreasonable to cause me more money when their system will show I have paid.
The answer was - you can only appeal by post. Since I have no intention of 'appealing' (which would imply I am trying to persuade them I should be let off) I've just emailed that they are welcome to take me to court. I know it's bl**dy minded, but why should I pay to prove I've paid? It would be a simple matter to have a website option that says - recheck this parking fee, but that would be to provide good customer service.
I actually hope they do escalate it :j

bazster

You are correct in everything you say, it is a bloody cheek. However, you may be unaware that if you take it as far as PoPLA it will cost APCOA £27+VAT, which might satisfy your (understandable) indignation and prompt you to buy a stamp!

You don't need to appeal to APCOA as such, you can phrase it as a challenge and be as narky as you like about it.

Or not, it's up to you, APCOA doesn't take people to court and even if they decided to change the habit of a lifetime they'd be mad to start with you when they know damn well that you paid.

You could also complain to Virgin Trains about their parking agent's crappy payment system and crappy appeals system, and also complain to Passenger Focus.