Parking Ticket in Courtesy Car

ripplyuk

I was in a parking bay that I've used for the last 12 years or more but today, I got a ticket. They have changed it and now parking isn't allowed except after 5.30pm, but I didn't notice the sign. There were around 10 other cars there but only I got a ticket, which makes it feel worse!

This is a courtesy car as mine is getting repairs. I've just checked on the citizen's advice website and it says that I'm not responsible for paying it since I'm not the registered keeper or owner. Obviously, it's my fault and I don't want to be sued by Volkswagen but I'm unsure if this means I'm not allowed to pay it. Will they only accept payment from the owner? Do I need to tell Volkswagen and pay them instead?

Half_way

Who are "they" you say "they " have changed something but you havent said who "they" are.
the Who "they" are, or who are "They" question is important

ripplyuk

transport ni. I'm in Northern Ireland.

Quentin

ripplyuk wrote: »

I've just checked on the citizen's advice website and it says that I'm not responsible for paying it since I'm not the registered keeper or owner.......

Before relying on this you need you check the wording of any agreement you have signed with the garage when taking charge of their car.


Hirers/courtesy car providers etc usually cover themselves in a watertight manner against having to end up paying for any fines etc that users might incur whilst having temporary charge of their vehicle.

ripplyuk

I wasn't given a copy of the statement I signed at Volkswagen. I was just told that the insurance excess is £500. I did ask if I should have a copy but was told it wasn't needed. I've no doubt they would include a clause saying I will pay any fines etc. My worry is that if I have to wait and let Volkswagen get notice of this fine, then by that time it will have doubled in price. It's currently £45 if paid within 14 days.

ampersand

Ripply, have you noticed sentence no.4 on the newbies Stickies?

You need to really read those posts. It takes more than a quick glance.

Come back when you have absorbed a bit more. Does 'transport ni' mean this is a council, or a private parking firm? I ask for this only as a useful p.o.i. for the Forum.

As half-way asks, who is this 'they'? - They have changed it
#
Regardless of VW's form of words[they're not in any great shape to spout legality atm :-) ], this is NOT A FINE.

Keep reading the newbies stickies.

ripplyuk

I've read more of the newbie's sticky but it seems more about private parking charges. Transport ni is the council.

It's a parking bay at the side of a road which used to be fine to park in at anytime but now the council have changed it and put a sign up. I didn't notice it. It was quite a distance from me and I only found it when I walked down past the other cars to check if they had tickets too.

Do I have to be the owner/keeper to pay this? Or, do I tell Volkswagen and pay them?

Quentin

ripplyuk wrote: »

....I did ask if I should have a copy but was told it wasn't needed. I've no doubt they would include a clause saying I will pay any fines etc.My worry is that if I have to wait and let Volkswagen get notice of this fine, then by that time it will have doubled in price. It's currently £45 if paid within 14 days.

Teaching you to suck eggs, but don't just sign contracts without reading them first, understanding them and getting a copy!


It may well be that the garage simply pass them on to you (with an admin fee) for you to deal with (by telling the issuing authority who the driver was)


If you are happy to pay the fine do so to avoid the cost escalating and any charges the garage might make too, if you want to defend/appeal then see if anyone at pepipoo can advise you on what to say/do.

ampersand

ripplyuk wrote: »

I've read more of the newbie's sticky but it seems more about private parking charges. Transport ni is the council.

It's a parking bay at the side of a road which used to be fine to park in at anytime but now the council have changed it and put a sign up. I didn't notice it. It was quite a distance from me and I only found it when I walked down past the other cars to check if they had tickets too.

Do I have to be the owner/keeper to pay this? Or, do I tell Volkswagen and pay them?

#
At last - that's the answer we needed.

Your first sentence is spot on, ripply. This Forum specialises mostly in private parkig invoices.
Take yourself straight to pepipoo, where they hold the fort for Council tickets.
http://www.pepipoo.com/

Be prepared to scan in any ticket or correspondence. They'll need this.
A number of msers here do duty on both sites, so you will be helped.

Don't delay - BUT DON'T EVEN THINK OF PAYING UNTIL YOU HAVE FULL PEPIPOO ADVICE. You'll need to be clear and accurate with dates for what you write.

Good luck.

Guys_Dad

Most hirers cover themselves by having a clause in the contract allowing them to pay genuine fines and then charge your card.

Have VW got your card details? If so, then you may be paying! If not - then they will no doubt give you up as the driver.

I would follow Quentin's advice.

ripplyuk

Volkswagen don't have my card details but I'd rather sort it out myself rather than leaving it to them and possibly getting an admin fee as well. I did find the sign that said I couldn't park there so I know I'm responsible for it. Its just completely put me off going to the city. I was parked for less than 5 mins and now it's going to cost me £45. I usually shop online for nearly everything and I'll stick to that in future.

As I was pulling out, another lady waited behind me and took the parking space. I wish I could have warned her