Parking ticket, photo of my number plate but DEFINITELY not me!!

KeithP

KatieDee wrote: »

The photo of it is incredibly clear, so I don't see how it could have been misread?

It is a mis-read, which wasn't particularly clear, that has been enhanced. That enhancement process has produced an 'incredibly clear' image but with the wrong letters/numbers.

KatieDee

Slight update...

I've looked at my number plate and it is completely different in terms of markings, brandings and screw positions. This is obvious from the photo shown on the invoice. The letters and numbers are incredibly clear though.

Am I looking at a clone here?

Redx

this is the reason for the SAR for ALL of the data , including ALL of the photos, proper photos where the vehicle can be made out and so you can check the vehicle , not just the plate , although if the actual plate is different in appearance then say so in the SAR and in the DVLA complaint as well

MINSTER are relying on ANPR technology which is about 80% accurate, not 100% accurate

you are adamant it was not your vehicle (forget about yourself) - its the vehicle that matters)

so if the photo shows a red merc clk and your vehicle is a blue mini , clearly there is an issue, which is usually a misread or a problem in the parking companies systems or procedures

same applies if its clear that the screws holding on the plate , and any makers marks or dealer logos etc, are different , which indicates a cloned plate (either on yours , or on theirs)

Ralph-y

do you have a smart phone ?


if so do you have tracking enabled ? as in google maps ...


that would show a history of your movements .....


this is to be looked at after doing all the suggestions above



Ralph:cool:

Coupon-mad

KatieDee wrote: »

Slight update...

I've looked at my number plate and it is completely different in terms of markings, brandings and screw positions. This is obvious from the photo shown on the invoice. The letters and numbers are incredibly clear though.

Am I looking at a clone here?

Nope you are looking at a different car, where the PPC has 'enhanced' the images wrongly. This most commonly happens when the images are taken in bad light. Someone squints at the grainy raw images and guesstimates the full VRN (honestly)!

I'd leave the Police out of it for now, concentrate on the DVLA complaint and the SAR to MB, asking also for the RAW IMAGES (photos) before they were enhanced, as you believe this was a data abuse VRN misread on the part of MB, and you've reported them to the DVLA for getting your data under false pretences.

Mention the numberplate screw positions in your DVLA complaint. Also look for any other differences, e.g. colour of wing mirrors or any stickers in the back windscreen that are not yours?

You need the DVLA to see this is not your car. Not ''I was not there''.

KatieDee

I followed the advice given in the newbie thread and also, in the linked thread. Both have responded in record time, but now I'm not so sure where to go.

The parking company have responded providing the relevant photographs - the unedited one being so unclear that it's literally impossible to make out one of the letters, never mind all of them. The car isn't any clearer but it's quite clearly not a Mini Cooper with a black roof (which is my vehicle). Also, the number plate is very different, with no logos and screws in the middle, as opposed to the top corner.

They suggested that I send any incident numbers to an email address they provided, along with the reference number, for somebody to review. Should I do this, or concentrate on an official appeal?

The DVLA basically responded stating that they have spoken to the company and believe they had sufficient reason to request my details, so they haven't done anything wrong. I have responded back saying I disagree and supplying a copy of their unedited photo, which is quite frankly laughable, and asking for further consideration.

I did end up reporting it to the police as I was a bit concerned and wanted a reference in case I receive anything else - they said not to worry, it was probably what you guys have said, but they would give me a reference number regardless. They said to call them back and update if I have any reason to believe the plates have definitely been cloned. At least I can include it with any correspondence.

Edit - the DVLA has responded with a very rude email back advising that they have definitely not done anything wrong and if I think my number plate has been "cloned" (yes, in quotation marks) I should speak to the police. Really shocked at the information they can release with such terrible quality photographs.

Coupon-mad

It's clearly the unreadable digit that they've guessed.

Are you up for sending the parking firm a photo of your Mini, and pointing out all the differences, plus giving them the Police Incident Number (DO NOT be told you need a crime number - that it not possible in this circumstance).

Finish by telling them you will sue them for your wasted time, costs and distress if they do not cancel this PCN within seven days.

KatieDee

Coupon-mad wrote: »

It's clearly the unreadable digit that they've guessed.

Are you up for sending the parking firm a photo of your Mini, and pointing out all the differences, plus giving them the Police Incident Number (DO NOT be told you need a crime number - that it not possible in this circumstance).

Finish by telling them you will sue them for your wasted time, costs and distress if they do not cancel this PCN within seven days.

Thank you. Of course I am up for that...I think it's terrible that they can put people through this, due to their own mistakes! I have written a concise email to them stating the incident number, as well as the differences between the vehicles (providing side by side photos). Didn't threaten to sue as I accept mistakes happen and I want to give them the opportunity to cancel first.

We'll just have to see where this goes...