F1rst Parking PCN - Winchester University

AlexTodd97

Hi All,

Yesterday I came back to my car and i had received a PCN from "F1rst Parking" at Winchester University.
I am posting on this forum as I have not found any similar experiences, and was hoping someone could let me know their thoughts on how to go about this.
The reason for the parking ticket was for "Causing obstruction". I parked in a space, but on top of the white line, as there was not an official space next to me (half a space on the end which a car wouldn't fit in). I believe this is why i have been ticketed. I dispute I have caused obstruction, as I was just trying to give more space to the car parked next to me.

With this in mind, I think this is completely irrelevant as the sign states a PCN may be issued for failing to display a valid permit. It does not mention parking within any white lines (there are hardly any white lines indicating spaces on the campus anyway).

I am planning to appeal, but was wondering if anyone has dealt with circumstances such as these? I believe they operate at universities mainly.

Happy to post the evidence if anyone wants to make their judgement based on that.

Many thanks.

Umkomaas

Please read the newbies FAQ sticky, located near the top of the forum thread list, one page back from here. It's very comprehensive, but you only need to read post #1 (and #2 if you need an acronym explained) at this stage. Be very aware of the timing you need to send in your initial appeal (around day 26), so don't rush this. F1rst Parking are a BPA operator.

Go and take photographs of the signage as this will be very helpful to you in winning your case.

Have you complained to the Uni?

AlexTodd97

The uni parking office operate a "self ticketing" system, so it was someone from the parking office who issued the PCN.

Do all T&C's need to be displayed on the signage? If so, surely they can't issue a PCN for something not mentioned.

Umkomaas

AlexTodd97 wrote: »

The uni parking office operate a "self ticketing" system, so it was someone from the parking office who issued the PCN.

Do all T&C's need to be displayed on the signage? If so, surely they can't issue a PCN for something not mentioned.

Whether they can or not is rather academic - they have! So you need to get on with fighting this. Hence the advice to get photographs of the signage - now (you never know if/when they might change their signage).

Indignation won't get this cancelled.

AlexTodd97

I have photos of the the signage displayed and my car as soon as I saw the ticket.
I have tried to post it below. Please let me know if this helps.
Remove the * from the link.

[IMG]http://*imgur.com/i0Qu3jh[/IMG]

pappa_golf

actually the signage does not mention being badly parked or even that you will get a ticket for parking sideways across 2 bays , the signage states that a PERMIT must be on dispay otherwise a ticket


so whats the charge?







http://imgur.com/i0Qu3jh


standard BPA template appeal , get a POPLa code , then present that Photo to popla and ask them if First can issue a charge for any offence inc parking a pink car on a Wednesday afternoon?


cut and dry , you did not break any of the rules that they posted on their signage




I bet they don,t bother with Popla

AlexTodd97

That was my perception when first reading the signage.
The charge is £60, reduced to £30 if I pay within 14 days.
I can't see how an argument can be made that I have broken any terms and conditions.

Thanks for your help.

pappa_golf

yes , std BPA template letter from here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4816822 the one in blue , don't add or amend it , they either fold or give you a POPLa code


you were the registered KEEPER NOT the driver at the time


they are not known for court http://www.bmpa.eu/companydata/First_Parking_LLP.html




I can't see how an argument can be made that I have broken any terms and conditions.


you hav,nt , fold or POPLa were they will back down or be made to look idiots

AlexTodd97

Thank you very much!
Just one question regarding the template below. It goes down the route of sign "large lettering". Does this apply in my case?

Also just for an FYI, this is how I parked.

[IMG]http://*imgur.com/OKBF7i0[/IMG]

Date


Dear Sirs

Re: PCN No. ....................

I challenge this 'PCN' as keeper of the car and I will complain to the landowner about the matter if it is not cancelled.

I believe that your signs fail the test of 'large lettering' and prominence, as established in ParkingEye Ltd v Beavis. Your unremarkable and obscure signs were not seen by the driver, are in very small print and the terms are not readable to drivers before they park.

Further, I understand you do not own the car park and you have given me no information about your policy with the landowner or on site businesses, to cancel such a charge. So please supply that policy as required under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. I believe the driver may well be eligible for cancellation and you have omitted clear information about the process for complaints including a geographical address of the landowner.

There will be no admissions as to who was driving and no assumptions can be drawn. You must either rely on the POFA 2012 and offer me a POPLA code, or cancel the charge.

I have kept proof of submission of this appeal and look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully,

pappa_golf

yup , hit them with everything on that template , to say that one of the directors of first owns a sign company , I would say those signs are pathetic and do not list alternate reasons for getting a ticket , therefore they are unclear


let them learn by their mistakes at POPLa

AlexTodd97

Brilliant, I will appeal in the next few days, unless that is too early.
The online form requires specific information. Should I be concerned about providing my address to F1rst? I will link the photo to make it clear.

[IMG]http://*imgur.com/7wXzlwR[/IMG]