PCN Premier Park, Exeter - have read Newbie sticky!

recoverytim

Hi all, I'm recoverytim from Exeter.

I've read the newbie's FAQ sticky in great detail for the last hour and a half, and am unsure of my position so would appreciate any input.

My stepdaughter goes to tennis lessons at A well known gym at Sandy Park in Exeter, and she gets a lift there with a mate's mum and we pick them up, and have done since about September. We aren't members there and the car park is controlled by a barrier, so we wait in the Chief's parking area which is directly outside as the gym don't provide any drop off/pick up area.

On January 5th we were obviously a bit early as today we got a PCN from Premier Park Ltd, an AOS member of BPA, with ANPR evidence that we entered the area (the road in is covered by this at the junction for the gym cat park) at 19:09 and left at 19:34 which I am not disputing. We stopped to one side as the car park was empty and we knew from our business connections with the Chiefs that the building was shut. Didn't turn off the lights, or the engine, or get out of the car.

My question really is, does this constitute 'parking' as we entered the car parking area, and should I just pay the fine as I am in the wrong, or is this actually unfair? I understand they have rules, and there is a sign saying ANPR controlled land (which I went up and discovered this evening) at the entrance, albeit massive but unlit. If we broke the rules then I'll obviously pay the fine and chalk it up to complacency, but is it even 'worth' trying to argue that we never actually parked?!

Many thanks everyone, and be aware that there is ANPR parking in a number of locations in Exeter, including Chiefs and Northernhay Gardens. Nothing wrong with that, but be aware that it's there and won't allow for any lapses in concentration or being early to pick you children up!

Regards, Tim

Redx

its not a "fine" its a speculative invoice for being on private land without permission. the vehicle was "stopped" , "parked" , call it whatever you will , engine running , engine off - all irrelevant

its an invoice for being on private land for about half an hour without permission

the choice is yours as to what to do , to appeal , or not

we would tell you to try and fight it , because it could be an unfair charge and the contract may not be valid

but dont bother trying to justify the "story" because it wont wash with the PPC, or with POPLA , and possibly not with a judge , court is a lottery

so its not about being pedantic over the word "parked" , its about "trespassing" but dressed up as an invoice for "parking"

in future, dont park where the rules dont allow it , same as you wouldnt on double yellow lines on a public road , even with the engine running (or not)

if you do decide to appeal, the newbies thread explains it all (the legalities and legal arguments , not about anyones definition of being "parked" or not)

on the other hand , poor or unlit signage is a definite appeal point (see the BPA CoP )

good luck

Coupon-mad

Appeal it as per the newbies thread.

Nothing about whether parking with the engine running, lights on and someone at home is 'parked'. It is! DO NOT appeal about that.

freester

I got 'caught' by Premier Park on Southernhay Gardens in Exeter a while back. I was unloading my bags into the Premier Inn.

Failed appeals to both Premier Park and POPLA - before I found this forum. As CouponMad says. Read the sticky at the top of the forum and appeal to Premier Park then get your POPLA number. You should be able to beat them at the POPLA stage - signage will almost certainly not be sufficient - with help from this forum.

There is no golden bullet to make them go away. But a patient, researched POPLA appeal will.

DON'T ADMIT WHO WAS DRIVING in any appeal