Horizon Parking - PCN for Sainsburys car park where parking system is inactive

balsingh

Before anyone asks, I have read the Newbie section but my case is an odd one so I thought I would ask here first.
My local Sainsburys use Horizon Parking with ANPR and a validation system for shoppers. Ever since lockdown started, the parking system was disabled and all the validation machines have a message saying 'Car park is free till further notice. No charges apply or action required'. I have used the car park for several months without any issues and without the need to validate.
Today I received a PCN stating I had parked there a week ago for 2hrs 13mins. The limit is 2hrs but I thought that as the parking is free and there is no validation needed, they probably aren't really concerned about how long people are in the car park for. I did shop at the supermarket and am able to prove this with a receipt or CC statement.
My query is the line of appeal. Should I appeal on the basis of the fact that the machine states that parking is free and no validation is needed (I have pictures of the machines showing this and I checked on the day and even today ... this is still the case) .... OR ... should I just go with the templated response from the newbie part of the forum and completely forget about the whole machine element?
Thx in advance for any suggestions.

Redx

You should go with plan A , that is the best solution , add copies of proof of patronage

Due to covid restrictions it can take longer due to queuing to get in etc , limited numbers in stores

As for the PCN , appeal as keeper using the blue text template from the newbies FAQ sticky thread near the top of the forum , unchanged , before the 28 day deadline , appealing online

No blabbing about who was driving , not to Sainsbury's or to Horizon , the royal WE works fine

Coupon-mad

But why are you appealing first?  That isn't the first thing to do, as per the NEWBIES thread.  This'll be easy to get Sainsburys Head Office to cancel.

balsingh

I have taken that step. Took the PCN to Sainsburys and the manager took a photo of the PCN and said he would email them to cancel. Behind me in the queue, there was someone else with the same issue. Provided the manager does email them to cancel the PCN, will I get a letter from Horizon to confirm this? Just a bit worried that if the manager doesn't sent the email, the next I hear will be after the 28 days are up.

D_P_Dance

Nine times out of ten these tickets are scams, so consider complaining to your MP., it can cause the

scammer extra costs, and in some cases, cancellation. 

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 later this year,

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

Umkomaas

Just keep checking the Horizon website for the status of your ticket. If/when it states 'cancelled' or 'not found' (or similar), take a screenshot. But if the 28-day appeal deadline is looming, don't miss that. When is it?

Coupon-mad

You can easily appeal as keeper anyway, not saying who was driving (I don't think Horizon use POFA wording) and add that the Manager has asked for it to be cancelled and can they please confirm that has now happened before you complain to Sainsburys CEO/Head Office.

balsingh

Coupon-mad said:

You can easily appeal as keeper anyway, not saying who was driving (I don't think Horizon use POFA wording) and add that the Manager has asked for it to be cancelled and can they please confirm that has now happened before you complain to Sainsburys CEO/Head Office.

Latest is that I did contact the Sainbury's head office / CEO. They did respond and asked my local store to cancel it. I received an email from head office saying that it has been cancelled. However, I haven't had anything from Horizon confirming this. Should I do the above appeal anyway or just check on the Horizon site as per previous suggestions and wait till it appears as cancelled? Appreciate all the advice on this!!

Redx

Check and see if there is a balance outstanding or not

If there is , appeal before the deadline

Timeouts

Latest is that I did contact the Sainbury's head office / CEO. They did respond and asked my local store to cancel it. I received an email from head office saying that it has been cancelled.

As above ....... but you have the email ... Horizon don't like to admit defeat.  Poor management

balsingh

Typed the PCN number and the car reg into the Horizon website today ... and it returned 'This PCN has been cancelled'. RESULT! Thanks for all the advice on this. Much appreciated.