Parking tickets from PCM nowt County Court stage

question1

Hello people,

I'd really like some help and advice if possible. I have searched here for the answer, but each case I've found is not exactly the same, so not how sure or up to date the answers are.
I know a lot of the regulars here get really upset and cause a scene if you ask questions that have already been asked, so just a quick summary to follow. Then if I'm ok to post the details here, I will.

Thanks in advance and sorry to offend any of the regulars.


Back in March, I received parking invoice/fine from PCM Ltd for parking outside of a marked bay at my local gym, which shares a car park with offices. The gym has about 30 designated spaces from maybe 1,000 in the car park.
I had started going to training sessions at 6.30pm, so arrived usually around 6.10pm to allow time to park and get changed.
On the occasion, I got this ticket, all the allocated spaces were taken, so I parked next to one of the allocated spaces where there is PLENTY of room and where I see people parked pretty much everytime I go to the gym. Even today there are almost always cars parked in the spot where I got a ticket as it's a logical place to park that's not in anyone's way.
And the reason I parked there, was because a couple of weeks before that I had parked in one of the non designated spaces and got a ticket. After 6.30pm the car park is practically empty. Literally hundreds of spaces that we're not allowed to park in because they're not designated.

My gym membership allows me to park in this car park for free.
Nobody lost money, was injured or inconvenienced by me parking in these empty undesignated spaces. There was no loss of earning by the company for spaces they could have charged for.

Originally I appealed both tickets and of course got the automated rejection replies. Then I came on here and read the best thing to do was to ignore them. Which I have done. Although some post seems to say not to do this anymore. The rules/advice seem to change often, so difficult to find the correct information.

Anyway, on Friday I received a "Claim Form" from "County Court Business Centre" on behalf of Gladstones Solicitor for PCM Ltd.

This one looks like it shouldn't be ignored.

What should I do now? I'm willing to go to court for this as I feel the fine is completely unjustifiable. Both tickets I received from them I'm willing to fight it out in court. I would rather pay an expert solicitor than these fines/taxes/scams.

Any help would be very much appreciated!

Again, sorry to any regulars that have read similar issues/posts. If this has upset you, this post isn't for you.

Many thanks in advance!

Happy to post up more detailed information if it helps.
Last few months I've had a nightmare with parking issues. I have these 2 from PCM Ltd I'm fighting, and 2 from the council for Parking Permit related fines. Managed to go years without any form of driving or parking fines, then get 4 within the space of about 2 months.

System

Last few months I've had a nightmare with parking issues. I have these 2 from PCM Ltd I'm fighting, and 2 from the council for Parking Permit related fines. Managed to go years without any form of driving or parking fines, then get 4 within the space of about 2 months.

So best to start learning about how to deal with these as you'll get more in the future. You can start by reading the Newbies thread about the process and what you need to do now.

question1

IamEmanresu wrote: »

So best to start learning about how to deal with these as you'll get more in the future. You can start by reading the Newbies thread about the process and what you need to do now.

Thanks I did that originally. But then found other threads saying that was outdated and not the best approach.
Also every case has slightly different circumstances. I genuinely believe that any sane jury or person would understand my reasons and justifications for parking where I received these fines.
So I'm hoping someone here will be able to advise me based on the specifics of my case.

P.S. I hope I won't get plenty more in the future. Have given up using the gym car park as it's usually full and PCM is making a killing on dishing out tickets around there, so not worth trying even though I'm entitled with my membership to park in the car park.
Not just me, but a number of gym members and staff are in the same boat, but can't speak to a person to do anything about it. Th building landlord is not interested.

And the council one was down to poor communication. Now I know where I can park, I won't be getting any more tickets from them either.

Coupon-mad

Thanks I did that originally. But then found other threads saying that was outdated and not the best approach.

That's odd. Where is this said? The NEWBIES thread was last edited last week...and is as up to date as my time & knowledge allows.

Anyway, on Friday I received a "Claim Form" from "County Court Business Centre" on behalf of Gladstones Solicitor for PCM Ltd.

This one looks like it shouldn't be ignored.

What should I do now?

Read the second post of the NEWBIES thread, please. And other PCM threads about defences.