Comer Group and NLBP

AliceBanned

I have been ticked for parking in staff parking bay without a permit at North London Business Park.


I believe the fee is excessive and signage unclear. The restrictions changed very recently and new signs went up.


The land is owned by Comer Group and when I phoned them they could not provide me with a name or dept to complain to about the ticketing. I have also appealed to the parking company and following this received a NTK from Parking Collection Services, which I will appeal.


I have some questions which I need help with please as I can't see much relevant to my case on the forum


1. Do I have to do the same appeal to PCS re signage as I did to the original ticket (Secure a Space)? Or just go straight to POPLA now?
2. How do I get information on the contract this company has with North London Business Park and how do I complain to the company? They simply refer me back to North London Business Park, and NLBP does not own the land, they do? I am not certain that Secure a Space are contracted to enforce on the bay I was parked in. There are several different types and this was a staff permit bay. I did not have a permit displayed but if they are not contracted to enforce then I don't think it is right that they charge me.


thanks

KeithP

When Secure-a Space reject your appeal, they will supply a code for you to appeal to PoPLA.

You might want to have a read of post #3 of the NEWBIES FAQ sticky thread where you will find good guidance on how to create a winning PoPLA appeal.

AliceBanned

Thanks Keith. I don't think I received a POPLA code. Confusing as I then got this letter from PCS acting on behalf of Secure a Space, with option to appeal their notice (or pay up obviously).

The_Deep

The whole industry is a scam, relying on threats of court, and the public's ignorance of the Law, A bill is currently before parliament which will regulate the scammers, many of whom are ex-clampers.

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 Second Reading in the Lords this month, and, with a fair wind, will l become Law later this year..

All five readings are available to watch on the internet, (some 7-8 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.

KeithP

But you haven't said that SaS have rejected your appeal. Have they?

AliceBanned

Ahh actually they haven't specifically said that. They have sent an email requesting keeper details. Then I got the letter from PCS, notice to keeper. Saying if they don't receive payment from the driver they have the right to request it from the keeper within 28 days.


Their communications are really unclear as they still haven't said whether they have rejected the appeal - not directly. ??

KeithP

AliceBanned wrote: »

Ahh actually they haven't specifically said that. They have sent an email requesting keeper details.

You seem to have got that the wrong way round.

Surely SaS send you, the keeper, a letter asking for the driver's details?

Did they go on to say that if you don't supply the driver's details within nn days they will determine your appeal without them?

You will of course ignore that letter and wait patiently for your appeal rejection and your PoPLA code.

AliceBanned

Thanks yes, I meant sent it to the keeper.


What has thrown me is that the second letter says that I can appeal to PCS so I am not sure whether or not I have to. I have already appealed to Secure a Space!


Many thanks I appreciate your help. I've tried to PM you but your inbox is full.

AliceBanned

PS yes after 28 days PCS say they will charge me, the keeper.

KeithP

Ignore PCS. They are nothing more than debt collectors.

Post #4 of the NEWBIES thread describes how to deal with debt collectors letters.

AliceBanned

On the back of PCS letter it says ' if you submit your appeal to us within 28 days beginning the day after this notice is given we will consider your case. We will then either cancel the notice or reject your representations. ' Also says I won't be able to use POPLA if I don't appeal within 28 days.


So even though I have appealed to Secure a Space it looks like I have to send it now to PCS.