APCOA Reminder letter

Daanielleeeeeee

Hi all,
Sorry I have read through newcomer threads but it's all bit confusing and didn't see enough exactly relating to my case.

I received a "reminder letter" from APCOA for my car being parked in Slough train station car park with paying.
Long story short the driver listened to a friend who said it was free after a certain time on weekends :wall:

I received a reminder letter that was firstly not within 28 days of the said parking offence. Secondly addressed to a "mr" rather than miss. Thirdly, they do not mention the date/time/location. There is a small cctv image says tiny tiny font the date and time from the footage. There is also no mention of fine amount, on the back it says "if not paid in discount period of 14 days will Return to full amount of £100" they do not specify what this discount period rate is.

At first I had no recollection of this, a week or two later I went back and remembered where this possibly could of happened and guessed slough train station. I went on to the website to learn more and when I entered the "Parking. Charge notice" this number this was also incorrect and done nothing.

I should appealed then but I didn't as I didn't want to give the poxy thing any life as it is ridiculous they couldn't even get it right themselves.
I have now received the debt collectors letters, I am panicking as I'm 21 living with my parents and wouldn't want anything against their address but it's now £150!!

What are my options , can I appeal on protection of freedoms paragraph 7 due to all the errors in my letter?
Should I do this to apcoa? Or popla?
I'm not familiar on all these things so if did write a letter should I state I'm keeper not disclosing whom the driver is and point it all their errors and reference paragraph 7? Even if the driver did want to pay how could if the notice number given was incorrect. If they come back arguing I wouldn't have a clue what to do next.

I have also read of apcoa's "pay late" is it worth signing up and doing this? Bare in mind the alleged parking offence was 26/03/2017. I would probably pay a smaller amount to get them off my back if I don't really have a case against them but I really don't like giving scum my money

Thanks

Fruitcake

It is not a fine.

I'm a bit confused.

Have you read the NEWBIES thread that tells you how to deal with private parking charges?

Did the keeper receive a NTK before the reminder? If so what was the date?

Has the keeper appealed the NTK.

Since this was at a station, byelaws probably apply. Normally where byelaws apply, neither the driver nor keeper can be held liable, only the owner, and only by the landowner or train operating company, and only in a magistrates court, and only for trespass, and it becomes statute barred after six months.

I'm not sure that the CRAPCOA pay late scheme is. If it is just to pay for parking for the day in question, then that would seem fair. This however will not make the PCN go away.
If it's to pay the PCN, then no.

fisherjim

You are at debt collectors stage so you have passed the point of appealing, and debt collectors can be ignored.

As Fruitcake says if this car park is covered by bye-laws APCOA can't do very much but send threatening letters, it has not gone up to £150 that's including the debt collectors rake off, anyway if issued under bye-laws two more months and it will time out.

I would sit tight and see what happens don't try an offer it will not work and show you to be a mug to be exploited.

Coupon-mad

I have also read of apcoa's "pay late" is it worth signing up and doing this?

No. Please read the NEWBIES thread about tedious 'ignore the debt collectors' stage. This does not affect your address nor do you get a CCJ.

Daanielleeeeeee

Hi, no I'm keeper I haven't appealed and it is now out of the appeal period.

I still have the NTK, do I still stand a chance appealing on the grounds of all the errors in the NTK?

Coupon-mad

No, ignore it. Relax.

Quentin

As you have been advised you are on the debt collectors stage.

You can ignore them.

You won't blight your parents credit unless you end up losing a court case, getting a ccj and ignoring it or not paying it off in full within 30 days

So no worries there

Daanielleeeeeee

Hi, it's been over a month since I posted this and I have only received one more letter from DRP. Saying this is last chance to pay until 24/08/17 before they recommend their client to take me to court.

The alleged offence was 26/03/2017 so only one month until the cut off period for great western (the railway service running in slough) to take me to court.

I know ignoring wasn't the best idea, but is it best I continue to ignore or complain to FGW on the harassment from APOCA/DRP? If I reply to DRP is there a way I could long term process out for another month?

How likely is it for FGW to take time to court? Have they done many cases recently. And do I have a case to stand against them?

Sorry for panic but this is effect these scammers have on people not familar with the situation.

Daanielleeeeeee

Also thanks for all previous advice

Coupon-mad

How likely is it for FGW to take time to court?

Never ever seen a private 'parking' charge notice morph into a real penalty and whizz to drag someone to court. Won't happen!

You could write to engage DRPlus but they will spout back their standard 'My findings' reply...all very pointless.