CP Plus Result!!

Le_Kirk

Several weeks ago, our local station changed from the Car Friendly barrier, pay before exit to the ANPR system. On the day it changed the driver of my car tried to use the car park but it was full, therefore drove out and parked elsewhere. Car was in the car park for about 5 minutes.

Two weeks ago, a friend and neighbour tried to use the same car park with similar results, drove out without being able to park.

Two days ago, the driver of his car was able to park but when they came to pay, the system wanted £94.00, clearly a double dip case, driver drove out without paying! Trying to find someone to talk to at nearly midnight proved impossible. He managed to find a phone number for CP Plus and against my advice, phoned them. With my advice he did not declare who was driving, merely explained the problem using the VRM. Operator said "oh dear we have been having problems with the ANPR in that car park. I can see you drove in on [DATE/TIME] and the car is still there! I cannot see that the car entered or left the car park two days ago. Therefore you have nothing to pay."

A relieved driver not having to pay an incorrect £94.00 but also received several hours free parking.

The driver of my car happened to be near the station yesterday (on foot) and went to check if the car was "still in the car park" but fortunately on that occasion the ANPR had seen the car leave and system did not find the VRM.

beamerguy

WOW :T

But .... even though they knew the ANPR was faulty, they still sent out tickets ?

Le_Kirk

beamerguy wrote: »

WOW :T

But .... even though they knew the ANPR was faulty, they still sent out tickets ?

In this instance no tickets (PCN's) were sent, anticipated problem and dealt with CP Plus. I bet though, they would send out PCN's to the unwary or unknowing. My friend/neighbour only did what he did because he rang me knowing I frequent this forum.

Ralph-y

local papers ?


Ralph:cool:

Le_Kirk

Ralph-y wrote: »

local papers ?


Ralph:cool:

Could try Ralph but it is a bit of a non-story, no PCN's issued, driver actually profited by not having to pay and no nuns or kittens were harmed!

Le_Kirk

For Info Only

Two weeks ago, despite CP Plus saying all was cleared, neighbour received the dreaded PCN. Despite my advice to the contrary, he contacted them again (as keeper) and was told a letter was on the way. Yesterday (11/01/19) he received the letter (one day before the appeal deadline expired) dated 02/01/19 cancelling the charge. I've seen the letter (and now the original PCN) and it was indeed railway land/byelaws so he would have been, as I originally advised him, OK.

Mr.Generous

Have they not obtained vehicle keeper details in breach of data rules as they have no legitimate reason for getting it?

The_Deep

It is the will of Parliament that these scammers be put out of business.

Hopefully that will take place in the near future. The Bill has passed through the HOC without hitch, and goes to the Lords soon. In the meantime involve your MP, the poor dears are buckling under the weight of complaints about these scammers.

This is an entirely unregulated industry which is scamming the public with inflated claims for minor breaches of alleged contracts for alleged parking offences, aided and abetted by a handful of low-rent solicitors. Is has been suggested by an MP that some of these companies may have connections to organised crime.

Parking Eye, CPM, Smart, (especially Smart}, and others have already been named and shamed in the House of Commons as have Gladstones Solicitors, and BW Legal, (these two law firms take hundreds of these cases to court each week), hospital car parks and residential complex tickets have been especially mentioned. They lose most of them, and have been reported to the regulatory authority by an M.P. for unprofessional conduct

The problem has become so widespread that MPs have agreed to enact a Bill to regulate these scammers.

Sir Greg Knight's Private Members Bill to curb the excesses, and perhaps close down, some of these companies passed its Third Reading in late November, and, with a fair wind, will become Law next year.

All three readings are available to watch on the internet, (some 6-7 hours), and published in Hansard. MPs have an extremely low opinion of the industry. Many are complaining that they are becoming overwhelmed by complaints from members of the public. Add to their burden, complain in the most robust terms about the scammers.

peter_the_piper

The only anpr system that works for the driver is at the airport parking. Clicks you on the way in as you collect your ticket, charges the correct amount and lets you out automatically at the barrier. All others are not fit for purpose, for the driver that is,

Le_Kirk

Mr.Generous wrote: »

Have they not obtained vehicle keeper details in breach of data rules as they have no legitimate reason for getting it?

Yes, but doubt my neighbour is up to doing anything about it - even with help.

Le_Kirk

peter_the_piper wrote: »

The only anpr system that works for the driver is at the airport parking. Clicks you on the way in as you collect your ticket, charges the correct amount and lets you out automatically at the barrier. All others are not fit for purpose, for the driver that is,

I found another one at a local leisure park that had introduced ANPR some years back (without barriers) and when we visited on Boxing Day, they had introduced barriers - perfect, as you say, for the motorist!