Northern by Arriva PPN NOTICE TO OWNER (NTO) Letter

Wolfie_5028

Hi, I've received the NTO letter after taking advice to ignore the PPN and the appeal period has lapsed. My case is now with the Debt Recovery and Prosecutions Unit. The charge has gone up from £50 to £130.

The contravention is: failed to pay appropriate charge

I was at St Helens Central Station during the early hours (it was dark) of 05 Feb. Parking at this station had always been free whenever I'd been there previously. When I returned in the early evening I found the PPN and saw small parking notices around the parking area. They were new to me. However, on further review I found out that parking was/is free for rail travellers with valid train tickets. I also found out that there are new ticket machines at the station which issue Pay and Display tickets.

However, I took advice and ignored the appeal process and now have the NTO letter. Would I have a decent chance of making a successful representation to have the PPN cancelled/reduced even though the appeal process period has passed?

If so, would it be easy for me to make that representation or should I seek professional help? Most online pro help requires the name of the PPN-issuing company, which isn't marked on the PPN or the letter.

Thanks in advance,
Wolfie

ShakeItOff

Welcome!

You need to read the NEWBIES thread.

Anyway, the name of the game is to appeal. Check out the NEWBIES thread, specifically post #1 and follow the appeal advice in there.

Umkomaas

Since I still have the valid train tickets but I've taken advice and ignored the appeal process

From a solicitor?

saw small parking notices around the parking area.

You need to get photos of the signage in the car park, taken in the light conditions that prevailed at the time of the parking event. If in the hours of darkness, take photos without flash to show any poor illumination.

You also need good quality close ups so the terms are clear to read.

Most online pro help requires the name of the PPN-issuing company, which isn't marked on the PPN or the letter.

Northern sometimes plough their own furrow and have, some years ago, (from my recollection - others might confirm) prosecuted this through the Mags Court. Not a reason to panic, but we do need to see how this starts to unfold.

Are they quoting the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (Schedule 4) in their correspondence to you?

Redx

another recent example here

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5974504/northern-by-arriva-parking-fine

Wolfie_5028

Thanks. There's so much useful info in the thread (thank-you everyone) I just needed a pointer.

Wolfie_5028

Taking your last point first, no, there isn't a mention of PoFA on the PPN or in the letter.

The advice I followed was from online forums not directly from a solicitor.

Thanks for the idea to take photos in similar lighting conditions.

Really appreciate your feedback. Cheers.

Egbert_Nobacon

My understanding is that without POFA they cannot pursue the keeper so immediately edit your post.

No I, My or We there was the driver who parked on the day and the keeper who has received the penalty charge..

If they cannot identify the driver I believe this will time out after 6 months.

Those more experienced will agree or not.

D_P_Dance

Are you the owner of the vehicle, or is it on finance?

Wolfie_5028

Hi! I'm the owner.

D_P_Dance

Have you consider transferring the ownership to someone else retrospectively. That should shoot their fox.

Wolfie_5028

Thanks D_P_Dance but I'll put your idea on ice for the time being ��