Parking charge when machines not working . Other party paid

Jay19903562

So I've received a parking charge notice today in relation to a vehicle I am the registered keeper of . The company issuing the invoice is vehicle control systems limited .

The contravention relates to the car being parked without paying the tariff in a car park
The pay and display machines were inoperative and the payment was being taken by the business being visited

Just looking for a bit of guidance cos the last time I dealt with private parking disputes it was very different . There was no law making the keeper liable and you could just claim no knowledge or claim the charges could not be applied contractually . Reading the guide it seems all has changed in favour of private parking companies

Firstly I have contacted the business to ask them for a statement clarifying that the parking was paid and clarifying the machines were inoperative at the time of the visit . Waiting to see what they come up with on that .

Whilst waiting for the business to get back should I contact the parking company to let them know ? Or should I wait till I've dealt with the business

If the business don't do the decent thing what should I do ? They are I believe a franchise chain so I could take it up with the franchise brand themselves .


I intend to go down the deal with them directly route and write them a letter setting out my position and making it clear they can take me to court if they are not satisfied. I cannot be bothered faffing about with their appeals process.

I don't understand on what basis they can make a charge anyway if they knew the machines to be inoperative .

Also the business visited in collecting the money are acting as agents of the parking company if my thinking is right . In that case surely I can just tell the parking company it's upto them to ensure their agents keep accurate records and forward monies correctly

I'm certainly not in the mood for parting with £60 or £100 this close to Christmas.

Quentin

If you intend ploughing your own furrow we can't assist (Why did you start this thread?)


(At least pay heed to this - you should not identify the driver, so edit your post tp remove the details of who was driving)


The ppcs monitor this forum and can use your posts against you

Quentin

It's all explained in the newbies faq!


Try the edit function from a laptop or pc

waamo

I will just be held liable anyway .

Not if they don't rely on (or comply with) POFA

Jay19903562

Think that clears it up ?

Coupon-mad

Whilst waiting for the business to get back should I contact the parking company to let them know ? Or should I wait till I've dealt with the business

Doesn't matter, as long as you don't say who was driving. This is covered in the NEWBIES sticky thread, top of this forum.

If the business don't do the decent thing what should I do ?

Defend it if and when VCS try a useless claim - again, fully covered in the NEWBIES sticky.