PARKING TICKET FROM PCS - ADVICE NEEDED

maypud

Hi there, I have received 3 parking fines today from a company called PCS and I am worried and unsure whether to pay them. I have read on here that most people have ignored the letters or appealed them however I do not want to get a CCJ from not paying the fines. Will they go away if I ignore them or am I best to appeal? Is the company legit and do we legally have to pay the fines especially during the current climate and the fact we were self isolating and live in the property in front of the car park? Any advice would be great

Umkomaas

Have you read the NEWBIES FAQ sticky ?

They are not 'fines'. 

You won't get a CCJ - but you might if you ignore them. 

Which parking company is involved (hint - it's not PCS, they are just debt collectors!). 

What are the dates of the three parking events?

maypud

Yes I have just been reading through the newbies FAQ's however I am unsure on whether it is best to ignore or appeal.
The letterhead shows the company 'PCS' Parking collection services but there is also mention of 'operating in accordance with the international parking community code of practice' if that helps?
The dates of the parking fines are 2nd May, 3rd May and 5th May.

Umkomaas

Do they state who their client is?

maypud

They have stated the client is 'New World Facilities East Essex'

Umkomaas

maypud said:

They have stated the client is 'New World Facilities East Essex'

That's the parking company you're dealing with. PCS are essentially debt collectors, but also provide back office services to PPCs who are administratively inept challenged!

Will you upload a photo of the document from PCS - redact any personal or identifying information.  

Is the car park part of your residential setting, or is it a private car park you normally just use for overnight parking?

D_P_Dance

It is not a fine, it is an invoice from an ex-clamper to compensate them for the alleged harm they suffered when you did what you did. We call it a scam. Pay them not a penny unless a judge so orders it.

Nine times out of ten these tickets are scams, so consider complaining to your MP, it can cause the scammer extra costs and work, and has been known to get the charge cancelled.

Parliament is well aware of the MO of these private parking companies, many of whom are former clampers, 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, when life gets back to normal, it will become impossible for those scammers who are left to continue their vile trade, 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.

Scrapit

Fighting can be difficult and time consuming. It may take up to 6 years to conclude. You will need to research and may need write alot. You may be facing a trip to court. You will most likely repeatedly receive threatening letters from "legal" types and debit collectors. Do you want that?
Now you are informed the decision is yours.

maypud

Yes I will attach a copy now.
It is a private car park however our back gate opens into the car park and we have used it before for overnight parking.
Would it be best to appeal and write back to them explaining we were self isolating or leave it? I am worried about the amount adding up and then being sent a letter about going to court or getting a CCJ.

D_P_Dance

OP please note, Scrapit.s advice offers a worse case scenario. IIMU that only a small percentage of PCNs are taken to court. 

Umkomaas

Just an interesting point for regulars' thoughts:

PCS are part of DRP who are BPA AOS approved. I assume that operating under the DRP umbrella they can access DVLA data, but can they do so and pass that data to an IPC operator?

I note (from the scan above) they show the IPC corporate logo, but not the AOS roundel; nor do they show on the IPC AOS operator list. However, when checking the PCS website, there is an IPC roundel showing, but on closer examination it reads 'Accredited Services Provider', not the standard 'Accredited Operator'. Any views on whether this meets DVLA KADOE contract requirements?

Back with you @maypud shortly.