PCN received, I may have messed it up

BaconGod

received a PCN from Smart Parking a short time ago.

We read a fair bit online but for some reason didn't find this forum.

Anyway, we did the first appeal and it has been rejected (no surprise tbh).

Here's what happened;

1 - entered carpark driving her car
2 - bought ticket for 60 min
3 - left carpark after only 27 mins driving her car
4 - They claimed had insufficient time paid
5 - had a ticket, paid £1 for 60 mins
6 - paid cash
7 - does not have the ticket anymore

In so much as we have appealed have we messed things up? By appealing have we confirmed she was the driver/

It strikes me that whilst they have a picture of car coming into the carpark and a picture of car leaving what they haven't done is proved we didn't pay. Unfortunately I can't either.

Am I screwed?

Sorry, I know this is probably covered in newbs section but I've read that and can't decide it that covers us or not?

Thanks in advance.

Castle

Did the machine require a VRN to be entered?

KeithP

OP, have you used your real name as your forum username?

Then your really should ask MSE to change your username to something totally anonymous.

To help with that, you might like to read this short extract from The MSE Forum Guide - Frequently Asked Questions & Rules:

Q. How can I change my username?

A. In most circumstances, this is not permitted.

The only reason we will change your username is if it puts your privacy at risk. This usually means you've inadvertently registered using your name, email address or something that gives away your identity within your username.

If you fall into this category, email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com and request that it is changed, giving three alternative usernames in order of preference.

BaconGod

Yes, had to enter VRN

KeithP

...they have a picture of her coming into the carpark and a picture of her leaving...

Do they? Or do they have a picture of the car entering and leaving?
The distinction is important.

BaconGod

And they have a picture of the car entering and leaving.

KeithP

anon wrote: »

And they have a picture of the car entering and leaving.

But how on earth does the PPC know who is driving?

There is no database of people photographs. All they know is that there is an unknown female driver. Keep it that way.

BaconGod

I can appreciate that point of view. So do I take the APOL or whatever appeal route? Or am I wasting my time?

KeithP

Now is the time to prepare a PoPLA appeal.
You do have a PoPLA verification code on that initial appeal rejection letter, don't you? What is the date of that rejection letter?

You also need to edit your posts so that there is no clue to the driver's identity.

It was the driver that parked the car and it was the keeper that received the PCN through the post.

At the moment, knowing your name, it wouldn't be too difficult to find out your mother-in-law's name.

The parking companies trawl this forum waiting for people to trip themselves up and can use your posts against you.

BaconGod

KeithP wrote: »

Now is the time to prepare a PoPLA appeal.
You do have a PoPLA verification code on that initial appeal rejection letter, don't you? What is the date of that rejection letter?

You also need to edit your posts so that there is no clue to the driver's identity.

It was the driver that parked the car and it was the keeper that received the PCN through the post.

At the moment, knowing your name, it wouldn't be too difficult to find out your mother-in-law's name.

The parking companies trawl this forum waiting for people to trip themselves up and can use your posts against you.

Yes I have a PoPLA code
Rejection letter dated 12th Nov 2018

BaconGod

I guess my point is I don't know if we confirmed the driver during the appeal, wasn't thinking about it like that at the time.