APCOA - Unique (?) Problem?

DepressedSpursFan

I would really appreciate some advice on what I can do because it seems my issue is one which does not often arise?
I stayed at a Travelodge for 4 days recently and parked my car with a valid Blue Disabled Badge clearly displayed at all times. The signs in the car park clearly said that Disabled Badge holders could park free. I have photographs of the signs to prove this.
Since then, APCOA have sent me FOUR PCN's.
I have appealed all 4 on the grounds that no offence had been committed and APCOA replied, demanding a copy of my badge. I declined, saying that if required, I would produce it in Court but that they had no right to view it.
Since then, they have ignored all correspondence from me including my request that they formally cancel the PCN's, take legal action against me or give me the code required by POPLA for them to consider my case.
The complication is that the car I was driving (and parking) was hired from Hertz and they have charged me 4 lots of £42.00 "Administration Fees" which, as the tickets were incorrectly issued (as no offence had taken place), I believe should be paid by APCOA but with them going silent on me and POPLA not wanting to be involved until I get the codes from them - which they will not send me - I don't know what to do?
Again, any help or advice anyone could offer would be very, very much appreciated?
Thanks

The_Slithy_Tove

1. Why not send APCOA a copy of the blue badge. It may help
2. Did you admit to being the driver? I hope not.
3. They must send you a POPLA code if they are rejecting your appeal (maybe it's on hold while they await confirmation of the blue badge)
4. What do the Ts&Cs of your hire agreement say about such admin charges? Do they talk about "fines" and "penalties"? These are neither.

Redx

Report apcoa to the BPA by email for breaching their Cop by not issuing popla codes

Include copies of all correspondence

I suspect the BB holder failed to register the vehicle using a terminal inside the building

Umkomaas

Why not simply send a copy of the BB as they seem to suggest they could cancel the tickets? What's the purpose in just making life much more difficult for yourself? You're leaving yourself open to up to 6 years hassle from APCOA.

I'm also sure that if the hire company see that APCOA have cancelled you'll be getting the admin fees cancelled too. But don't delay dealing with this by unnecessary posturing.

pogofish

You seem to be making the mistake of assuming that the Blue Badge actually has validity on private property - it does not! The handbook sent to you by the issuing authority makes this quiet clear. Its the Equality Act that applies and that covers all suitably disabled people, regardless of any badge.

Although saying that, they should be recognised by the PPC i their terms and conditions but POPLA will not consider them in any appeals.

Instead of futile appeals to the PPC, esp if they don't give you a POPLA Code, which will let you challenge them on other grounds, you should be putting a brisk fire under Travelodge to get this cancelled on your behalf as they would be held jointly and severally liable with the PPC in any action under the equality act for penalising you for any reasonable adjustment.

Also see if there are any local disability rights groups or even EHRC, who may help you take this up.

And post 1 2:2 of the Newbies sticky covers your situation completely - there is nothing unique about this.

The_Deep

APCOA replied, demanding a copy of my badge. I declined, saying that if required, I would produce it in Court but that they had no right to view it.

And therein lies your problem. When dealing with knaves and fools, it is expedient to treat them as such. besides a judge might conclude that you were being obstructive and find for them Do yourself a favour, send them a copy of your BB and save yourself further hassle.

Also get your MP on board as nine times out of ten these tickets are scams. .

Parliament is well aware of the MO of these private parking companies, and on 15th March 2019 a Bill was enacted to curb the excesses of these shysters. Codes of Practice are being drawn up, an independent appeals service will be set up, and access to the DVLA's date base more rigorously policed, persistent offenders denied access to the DVLA database and unable to operate.

Hopefully life will become impossible for the worst of these scammers, but until this is done you should still complain to your MP, citing the new legislation.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2019/8/contents/enacted

Just as the clampers were finally closed down, so hopefully will many of these Private Parking Companies.