Private Parking Fine - Parking Control Solutions

BillBaty

I received a fine back in Nov 21 and it was paid by my office as I was not in the country. On my return I contested the matter as I have a Blue Badge and simply asked for a picture to confirm the fine was legitimate. PCS said that payment of the fine was acceptance. I then wrote four letter to them without any response; I contacted their governing body (British Parking) who were useless. PCS do not have an email address that customers can use as they try to ignore the many disputes that comes their way, so by ignoring correspondence they think it will go away. They were wrong and my resolve became stronger. I therefore obtained an email address by pure luck; I tried ''enquiries'', ''support'', ''fines'' followed by their website address. Finally is got through and once more gave the whole story. They responded by reimbursing me. For those interested who are having similar problems with this company, try ''dpo@parkingcontrolsolutions.co.uk'' or ''fines@parkingcontrolsolutions.co.uk''. 
Keep on at companies like this who systematically ignore reasonable requests for information and are leeches on the backs of the public. Companies using their services should be aware of what they do and how they enforce ''legitimate customers parking needs'' to suit and meet their own ends. 
In my case I had a result, I hope that others who have similar problems also pursue these and similar companies.

Fruitcake

Well done on getting the charge reversed. (It is not a fine. Unregulated private parking companies cannot issue fines or penalties.)

The Blue Badge scheme does not apply on private land, although private parking companies would have you believe otherwise.

Why did your office the invoice? Are they your employer? Was it a company car or a lease car? If this was paid by your employer, is it in your employment contract that they pay parking charges from unregulated private parking companies without giving their employees the right to appeal?

BillBaty

Thank you Fruitcake. I did not know about the Blue Badge not being exempt. My office paid the fine (I own the business but was on holiday) immediately as they thought a further charge may be incurred if payment was delayed, so done in good faith. 

Pleased I obtained what I thought was a fair result, but it all could have been avoided and the murky side of Private Parking Control lingers on.

Coupon-mad

Well done on the refund!

Please tell your staff NEVER to just pay a private parking charge in future, though.  You need a clear policy to appeal as a company registered keeper (not as driver).  

And be aware that regulation is coming this year.  Changes are imminent:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/parking-code-enforcement-framework#full-publication-update-history

More updates must be due very soon, as the August consultation is due an updated response and Ministers have replied to Parliamentary questions recently, saying the new Code is being finalised.

There was also a Select Committee in November and the new law and (long overdue) truly independent appeals service is due to start this year, so it must be moving.

Keep your staff aware and make sure they know to always appeal, and how to word it,