Waitrose/Britannia overstay PCN.

Hurley

Hi.

My sister received a PCN by post from Britannia Parking at the end of last month. She overstayed the maximum time by 40 minutes. I'm wondering whether it is worth appealing this? I don't see what reason she could give to argue her case, other than saying the charge is disproportinate (£50 rising to £95). I've read the blue template in the newbies thread, and this bit states that the grace period is only twenty minutes which she went over.

- If the allegation involves an alleged overstay of minutes, your evidence must include the actual grace period agreed by the landowner. If you fail to evidence the actual grace period that applies at this site or suggest that only one period applies, this will be disregarded as an attempt to mislead. In the absence of evidence, it will be reasonably taken to be a minimum of twenty minutes (ten on arrival and ten after parking time) in accordance with the official BPA article by Kelvin Reynolds about 'observation periods' on arrival being additional and separate to a 'grace period' at the end.

So what grounds do I actually appeal on, if at all?

I have looked in to complaining to Waitrose, but she always pays cash and doesn't have any supporting evidence (it's been her local store for 15+ years), so not really sure if it's worth doing that.

I'm a little confused as to whether she should bother or not, seems like she is bang to rights.
Thanks for any help.

Redx

The disproportionate argument won't wash since Barry Beavis lost 2 years ago

She should complain to the CEO by email and get it cancelled asap, this is the best option

The blue text template is used before day 28 to Britannia themselves, appealing as keeper, if the CEO complaint fails

The figure does not rise, it's £95 regardless, reduced to a smaller figure as a discount for early payment

The signs onsite will state the default tariff is £95 and the smaller figure won't be mentioned

Hurley

Thanks for the reply.

Day 28 is next Monday.

Do you know what I could say to Waitrose? Just argue that it is predatory and a poor way to treat a loyal customer? Or would you say it's too late at this point?

Umkomaas

A retailer complaint is the most effective way to kill this dead!

it's been her local store for 15+ years

Tell Waitrose that. Surely there must have been some transactions via cc or cheque which she could call on to copy to W's to substantiate? In that time, is she recognisable as a 'regular' - she should go face to face with the local manager who might well recognise her.

Redx

A complaint from the heart as you allude above, without saying who was driving

Do not miss the appeal deadline either

beamerguy

As said, straight to the MD with proof you are a valued customer

Mr Rob Collins Managing Director

Email rob.collins@waitrose.co.uk

Request he cancels this ticket.
You need to add that 40 minutes free time only covers a pop-in and pop-out customer and not a big shop when at peak times it can at least 20 mins waiting at check out

Britannia will damage the shop as they do all over the place

Hurley

Ok, thanks everyone.

I've asked her about bank statements, she doesn't think she has any but I'lll get her to check. It is literally around the corner from her house.

With regards to the appeal, what would I write? Would it just be a frivolous one to delay, like asking for all the photos/details they have?

Request he cancels this ticket.
You need to add that 40 minutes free time only covers a pop-in and pop-out customer and not a big shop when at peak times it can at least 20 mins waiting at check out

The free time was an hour and a half, but she stayed for two hours ten minutes, forty minutes over.

NeilCr

beamerguy wrote: »

As said, straight to the MD with proof you are a valued customer

Mr Rob Collins Managing Director

Email rob.collins@waitrose.co.uk

Request he cancels this ticket.
You need to add that 40 minutes free time only covers a pop-in and pop-out customer and not a big shop when at peak times it can at least 20 mins waiting at check out

Britannia will damage the shop as they do all over the place

I read it as 40 minutes over the maximum time which would suggest she was in there for over 2 hours (OP please correct me if I am wrong)

In the meantime this thread

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6035852britannia+waitrose#topofpage

may help and provide encouragement

Redx

Any loyalty cards or proof of patronage on other days etc ?

If so , she adds them to the complaint

In future, she probably needs to go to the customer service desk and extend the time allowed on an iPad terminal or similar

Or shop elsewhere

The appeal uses the blue text template with no alterations, as Keeper , ensure nothing identifies the driver, I did tell you this in post #2, so read the replies

Umkomaas

So was she in the store for the full period? In the cafe having the free coffee and reading the free newspaper?

If not, you need to check the local authority planning permission for the store which might have been based on 3 free hours, to include the facility to shop in other local stores within the town. PPCs are known to unilaterally reduce the parking hours because, as they stood, were not delivering enough coin for them.

You really do have to do lots of research and some thinking outside the box in dealing with this. We don't have magic dust to sprinkle over and make things disappear. Lots of proaction from your side is essential.

Hurley

Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll carry on looking in to it but you've cleared a lot up for me.