Britannia Parking Charge

Swan1305

Hello everyone,

I've read through all the FAQ's etc regarding parking fines and private companies but would really, really appreciate a response to my personal case, as I'm not sure there is a reason for us not to pay honestly (other than we can't afford it!). My partner just received a PCN in the post from Britannia Parking for £85 (£50 if paid within two weeks). The letter contains a photo of his vehicle and registration plate, so although they they state they do not know for sure who the driver is, it's rather obvious as no one else is insured on it. He also has no excuse to be honest, whereas a lot of people appear to have reasons for appeal, he just pulled in to use his phone and didn't realise he had to pay, a costly mistake for 12 minutes. I've read that it's no longer advisable to ignore these letters (as previously thought) but that I should file an appeal with Britannia asap? But I don't really see what grounds we would have to appeal on...are we just out of luck and need to pay? Many thanks for your advice!

Coupon-mad

I'm not sure there is a reason for us not to pay

Doesn't need to be. It's Britannia, LOL!

although they they state they do not know for sure who the driver is, it's rather obvious as no one else is insured on it.

I could have been the driver, so could all the other millions of people who have fully comp insurance that allows them to drive 'any vehicle' with agreement of the owner. ANYONE with that insurance can drive that car.

How exactly do you think a firm operating an 'outrageous scam' (Hansard, 2.2.18) are able to get insurance firm data or facial recognition to match a grainy image of a face to a name?

But I don't really see what grounds we would have to appeal on...are we just out of luck and need to pay?

NEWBIES thread tells you how to appeal without saying who was driving. Your case is NO DIFFERENT.

Here is my opinion on Britannia, and yes I have had PCNs from them:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/73568019#Comment_73568019 68019

I'm just an ordinary wife & Mum, not legally trained and I have a clear DBS and credit record, so I am not some chancer.

Swan1305

Thank you for your reply. The appeal letter template states that the signs weren't clear/big enough. Well there were regular signs (inside the car park) saying you had to pay a certain amount (70p up to 1 hour) and a sign (on the way out!) that says it is camera controlled. So on that basis would it even be worth sending that letter to them? They have already stated in their letter that there was signage there.

The_Deep

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]This ia an entirely unregulated industry which is scamming the public with inflated claims for minor breaches of contracts for alleged parking offences.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The problem has become so rampant that MPs have agreed to enact a Bill to regulate the scammers. Watch the video of the Second Reading in the HofC a fortnight ago.[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]http://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/2f0384f2-eba5-4fff-ab07-cf24b6a22918?in=12:49:41[/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]and complain in the most robust terms to your MP. [/FONT]

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]With a fair wind most of these companies may well go out of business by Christmas.[/FONT]

fisherjim

Swan1305 wrote: »

Thank you for your reply. The appeal letter template states that the signs weren't clear/big enough. Well there were regular signs (inside the car park) saying you had to pay a certain amount (70p up to 1 hour) and a sign (on the way out!) that says it is camera controlled. So on that basis would it even be worth sending that letter to them? They have already stated in their letter that there was signage there.

If you aren't going to take the tried and tested advice on here from regulars that have seen every trick, scam and dodgy sign these Muppets throw at you then why bother asking?

You are dealing with lowlife scavengers not fine upstanding pillars of the community, they lie twist things and have developed an industry based on dodgy signage, ticketing and letters, don't fall for it!

Swan1305

Where did I say that I wasn't taking their advice? I was just checking that I wasn't landing myself in deep water, based on my circumstances. No need for such a rude reply at all. I wouldn't have asked a question if I didn't value people's advice here and I don't seem the harm in double checking, before I send the appeal letter off.

KeithP

Read the answer to this question in post #1 of the NEWBIE sticky thread:

Q - ''I have read the NEWBIES thread but cannot find anything specific to my case...my case is different''.

Particularly the words: FORGET THE DETAIL.

Swan1305

I did read that, was just nervous about not double checking. Thank you, I will send the template letter and hope for the best.

Coupon-mad

The sum of the parking charge, the £85, is never in large lettering, not an agreed contract.

Unless you are parking in the Sussex car park where I happen to know there are no signs at all from Britannia(!) it's not just about 'having some signs up'.

The template is safe to use, as is. You will then get a POPLA code, and if you win great, if you lose, so what? It's Britannia, we do not pay this 'outrageous scam' (Hansard, Parliamentary debate this month on parking firms - see post #4 from the Deep).

DO WATCH THE DEBATE, CHANGE YOUR MINDSET FROM GIVING THEM TOO MUCH RESPECT.

a costly mistake for 12 minutes.

Just to flag up the BPA Code of Practice, Grace Periods section, ready for your POPLA appeal.

NB: Tip for your other half:
People are so much better pulling over on the side of the road (not red routes nor bus stops, or taxi stands, obviously, nor yellow lines with kerb blips). Stop on street. Don't choose private car parks!

fisherjim

You are over thinking this, and who on earth do you think you are dealing with? You are unlikely to fall in "Deep water" with this bunch:

http://www.bmpa.eu/companydata/Britannia_Parking_Group.html

Sorry If you think I'm rude but the barrage of ignorable waste paper you will get from dibby debt collectors is much ruder!:D

Swan1305

The sign actually had a big £100 on it...followed by the fact that you could be charged that (in smaller text) =/

Thank you for your advice, appreciated!