Parking stories in the News/media

Car1980

Ralph-y said:

I am going to try and beat a illustrious forum member to this ........

they would ALL have been fine if they followed the rules .....

why do ALL these people make so many mistakes ? 

imagine what the car chaos would be like if this site was no monitored ? 

By design. You don't make any money if your rule are clear do you!

Coupon-mad

Here's one from NI, regarding VCS who - for some astonishing reason - have the contract to harass motorists using Belfast Airport:

Private car parking firms are hitting drivers with illegal fines

https://m.sundayworld.com/news/irish-news/private-car-parking-firms-are-hitting-drivers-with-illegal-fines/a1771849533.html

"Private car parking firms are intimidating unwitting car owners to part with illegal fines, it has been claimed.

GB-based firms are operating contracts in Northern Ireland to redeem fines for traffic offences at places such as the George Best Belfast City Airport and other public amenities.

Aggressive tactics include threats of legal action, court appearances and rising fines if the original demand is not met.

It has now emerged in most cases they are not entitled to demand penalty payments which can escalate to hundreds of pounds. The firms, appointed by the likes of the City Airport, are applying laws that are enforceable only in England and Wales and do not apply to Northern Ireland."

Excellent 'sad face' picture of the 81 year old victim who wasn't even driving. But good for them, they didn't cave in:

"She was hit with a £100 fine and, having had two appeals rejected by Sheffield-based Vehicle Control Services, was then threatened with an additional £70 levy and possible legal action. Mrs Bowers, who is 81 and in poor health, was not behind the wheel on the evening of February 8. The driver was at the airport to collect people travelling to Belfast to attend a funeral.

Mrs Bowers’ husband, veteran trade unionist Joe Bowers, said it was an “outrage’’ that his wife has been subjected to such intimidating behaviour. He said they were determined to resist increasingly aggressive demands."

Look at the DR Plus letter. It says the creditor is EXCEL PARKING. Not VCS then:

Nellymoser

Appalling case shows how DRP misinform....the MHCLG think motorists source of misinformation comes from online 🙄

Nellymoser

Woman highlights concerns of private parking enforcement and the lack of transparency in the appeal process after an exhausting and stressful four-month battle.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/womans-parking-charge-finally-dropped-040000936.html

Claire Westlake said: 

“The first appeal to EPSL was rejected with a generic response.

The second to the Independent Appeals Service (IAS), was likewise denied, despite clear evidence of ambiguous signage.

It was only through a third, lesser-known route—a complaint to the Independent Parking Committee (IPC)—that the charge was finally cancelled after four months."

Claire says that what is 'deeply concerning' is that both the IPC and IAS are owned and operated by the same individual which ‘creates a troubling conflict of interest’.

“This structure means that motorists who appeal through the IAS are effectively appealing to the same entity that facilitates enforcement.”

She added: “This lack of transparency and accountability raises serious questions about the integrity of the private parking enforcement system and the oversight mechanisms meant to protect consumers.

Hope she's aware of the consultation her experience is perfect for MHCLG question on 1st and 2nd stage appeals service. 

Ralph-y

"

The second to the Independent Appeals Service (IAS), was likewise denied, despite clear evidence of ambiguous signage.

It was only through a third, lesser-known route—a complaint to the Independent Parking Committee (IPC)—that the charge was finally cancelled after four months." " 

how did that work ?

Coupon-mad

And how does this stat work?

"According to the research, 2.4 million motorists have already been fined when dropping off or collecting someone from the airport."

https://www.manchesterworld.uk/news/traffic-and-travel/manchester-airport-rule-change-leaves-motorists-at-risk-of-being-fined-when-dropping-off-loved-ones-5243036

"2.4million?!"

What research?

Again reported here:

https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/manchester-airports-joins-with-london-gatwick-edinburgh-birmingham-in-introducing-risky-drop-off-fee-systems-that-could-lead-to-unexpected-fines/

"In an effort to alleviate traffic congestion at airport drop-off zones, seven major UK airports - Manchester, Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow - have removed exit barriers. Manchester Airport is one of the first airports to fully implement this barrierless system. This change affects all drivers, including those simply making short-term drop-offs, making it essential to stay updated on how to comply with the new rules.

The Challenges: Missed Payments and Parking Fines

According to a survey conducted by Motorpoint, a leading UK car dealership, 21% of UK drivers reported feeling more stressed when dropping someone off at the airport due to these recent rule changes. The problem is compounded by the fact that not all airports have automated payment systems in place. Some airports require drivers to log on and pay once they are home, leaving ample room for mistakes.

For travellers unfamiliar with the new system, this lack of on-site payment options has already led to a growing number of fines. Research suggests that 2.4 million UK motorists have been fined for not paying the drop-off charges properly. It’s not just tourists who are at risk: business travellers who are pressed for time and trying to meet tight schedules are also more likely to miss the signage explaining the payment process."

If that figure is true then it needs mentioning to the MHCLG in responses to the consultation because the Code has missed a major issue. It's got to be stopped.

There needs to be something in the statutory Code about not having a system that makes it likely that drivers will forget (or not know) to pay, where a 'pay later online' fee applies at Airport or other drop off zones. Having no barrier causes this.

This will otherwise be copied at other sites.

It's clearly a cash cow and almost as shocking as what PPC World is doing to residents at their own homes.

Bazarius

This is what happens when the ATAs wade in, pushing their glossy “Airport Accreditation Scheme” sales pitch, only to seize control of a system that was never broken (aside from the emergence of cowboy airport parking firms that illegally park your vehicle elsewhere or even borrow it while you’re on holiday) . Now we’re looking at 2.4 million PCNs, each racking up £100 a pop. Kerching! The ATAs couldn’t be prouder.

I’m seeing countless reports of drivers receiving  PCNs from APCOA simply for being confused and driving straight through drop-off zones, sometimes with a “parking period” as short as 34 seconds. Why are ANPR cameras being used to log entrance and exit times without confirming whether the vehicle actually used  the  drop off areas ? It’s a clear overreach: issuing parking charges without reasonable cause, then forcing motorists to appeal just to prove they didn’t park. 

Nellymoser

Travel firm now adds their voice to the ongoing Manchester Airport saga.

The CCO of Manchester-based online travel agent On The Beach has written an open letter to the airport and APCOA asking them to reconsider the 24-hour payment deadline for drop-off fees and urged them to give people 48 hours to pay.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/holiday-firm-calls-manchester-airport-135521762.html

Coupon-mad

Nellymoser said:

Travel firm now adds their voice to the ongoing Manchester Airport saga.

The CCO of Manchester-based online travel agent On The Beach has written an open letter to the airport and APCOA asking them to reconsider the 24-hour payment deadline for drop-off fees and urged them to give people 48 hours to pay.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/holiday-firm-calls-manchester-airport-135521762.html

But that doesn't address the actual issue (poor signs, deliberate lack of barrier or massive prominent sign in your face as a visual reminder) that people go home not knowing or having anything to remind them to pay the £7.

I think we need to alert the MHCLG to this  issue in the Public Consultation. It's grown into a monster by stealth.

Nellymoser

Completely agree C-mad