worth appealing significant overstay?

Arobot

Keeper has received NTK for 100 reduce to 60 if paid within 14 days, letter contains b/w images of number plate with entry/exit times listed below, but not in images.
Driver parked in a supermarket car park, car park not busy,  overstayed a couple of hours (walk first then used supermarket), didn't realise CCTV in operation, naively assumed due to coronavrius that enforcement wasn't in operation, can't deny that parking was beyond the permitted time for shopping on the sign - despite this is it worth appealing?
Firm name is e\\u//r\\o car parks (I added the slashes).

pould

Hi Arobot.
It's always worth appealing in the first instance, even if just to prove that you've tried to engage the parking company.

Read the Newbies thread which will give you a nice template to use. Have a good read of the whole of that thread to get an idea of how these companies work and what are some of the major points of appeal (Non FOPA compliant, no landowner rights etc).

Come back and ask questions on this thread if you need help understanding, but we do encourage folks to have a go themselves first.

Ralph-y

who's supermarket was it ?

Ralph

Coupon-mad

Why not also read other ECP threads, where it is said EVERY TIME that no-one cares if they lose at POPLA and no-one pays ECP?  Saves us explaining why, if you read other threads.

D_P_Dance

Of course it is worth appealing.  To win at court they  have a mountain to climb, which many fail to achieve. 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.

Arobot

@Ralph-y - A/LDI
Sounds like I need to complain to them in the first instance, any pointers to thread with template appreciated.
@Coupon-mad didn't find threads on the full name, but using the acronym you used find loads, question of where to begin, thanks!

Umkomaas

Arobot said:

@Ralph-y - A/LDI
Sounds like I need to complain to them in the first instance,

It's unlikely that Aldi are the principal to the contract with ECP - their preferred supplier is ParkingEye. If this is a multi-store retail site you'd be best advised to seek out the landowner or the managing agent. Aldi might be able to help on that score. 

any pointers to thread with template appreciated.

The NEWBIES FAQ sticky, first post, (the template in blue text). 

Arobot

There are two stores, the site is owned by M&G Real Estate so I guess that rules out Parking Eye 
Completelyindustrial .co.uk/portfolio/M&G/scheme/Cannon-Lane-Retail-Park-Tonbridge
I've seen the appeal template on the  newbies thread, but first think it says to appeal to the landowner or retailer, wondering if any templates for that?

Umkomaas

I've seen the appeal template on the  newbies thread, but first think it says to appeal to the landowner or retailer, wondering if any templates for that?

There are none!  Read the 'Complaints' thread, which I'm sure is linked from the NEWBIES FAQ sticky, where I'm sure you'll find inspiration. 

Please note, that while that the forum recommendation is to complain to the landowner/retailer, you must not miss the deadline date for the initial appeal to the PPC in doing so. 

Le_Kirk

Search the forum for Aldi/Lidl and you will find loads of posters who have written complaint letters to supermarkets.  Here is a link to one from earlier this week: -
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/77210898#Comment_77210898

Arobot

anyone know current email address for someone senior in Aldi, not generic customer services ?
(tried Facebook messenger with no reply, tried  kapil.saini@aldi.co.uk  for Tonbridge store manager but  mail undelivered)