PCN Welcome Break

JanusDavies

Draft email to South Mimms site manager:

______________________________

Dear Site Manager*,

I'm writing to complain as the registered keeper of vehicle XXXXXXX after having received a 'Parking Charge Notice' letter from your site parking operator ParkingEye regarding an overstay of 51 minutes on Xth October 2021.

I attach proof that purchases (on two separate visits within the time window) were made from Waitrose Potters Bar inside the Welcome Break on this day, leaving no room for doubt the facilities were being used as a genuine customer for rest and recovery, as the public understands they are intended. The demand of payment of £100 (£60 if paid sooner) is not reflective of any loss or damage suffered, on an afternoon where the car park was at 25-50% capacity. Further, the presentation of the document which closely mimics Penalty Charge Notices issued by local authorities has caused the driver of the vehicle on the day significant distress.

I consider this letter harassment by ParkingEye and request the site manager uses discretion to see this charge be cancelled. Myself and my family are regular guests and patrons at Welcome Breaks nationwide and this event threatens to seriously harm our feeling towards the brand, which has previously been most positive.

Regards**,

Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx

______________________________

*is 'Dear Site Manager' the appropriate address?

**is 'Regards' appropriate here?

D_P_Dance

This may amuse you,

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2017/aug/26/parking-eye-takes-on-top-barrister-85-fine

Trainerman

JanusDavies said:

No, I mean I sat in the car and ate the first snack purchased from Waitrose and slept a bit, then 90 mins or so later went back in and purchased more items of refreshment (same Waitrose) within the WB, ate them in the car and then drove off.

I'm drafting my email to the site manager at South Mimms WB.  Should I cc the South Mimms WB Waitrose or no?

So you were following road safety/Government advice to avoid driving when too tired. I really think you have a very strong defence.....if it ever gets to Court

D_P_Dance

IMO a fee of £10-15 to park in an MSA for say 3 hours is unreasonable.

JanusDavies

I did nod off and was ensuring I was adequately rested before being in control of a vehicle again, but haven't mentioned it in my template email to the WB site manager above

Is the template okay in current form or would anyone suggest changes?

cambi0

Add the snooze bit in, if it goes to court it shows you have been clear and honest in all communications and yes cc in Waitrose, nothing to lose.

D_P_Dance

Stress how tored you were.

JanusDavies

Do I write "As the driver in question on the day was exhausted..." etc? i.e. avoid using 'I'

Le_Kirk

You address a letter using Dear Sir and you close it with "yours faithfully".  You do not admit to driving, although as it is ParkingEye, they are normally quite good at complying with POFA, so the "keeper liability" element does you no good.  It is also pointless mentioning "loss or damage" as this argument went out with the Beavis case (ask Auntie Google for details).  Your point should be that the driver used the MSA so as to comply with the Government suggestion that "Tiredness Kills", "Don't drive tired" and "take a break".

Coupon-mad

Personally I would admit to driving and definitely your complaint is missing the most important thing - that you SLEPT!