APCOA Heathrow Fine

Hussaizo

Hi,

I have read through the forums/looked at the template but wanted to ask a question as I think I may have shot myself in the foot by being too honest (and not reading the forums before initial appeal).

I got a PCN charge for forgetting to pay the 5 pounds within 2 days at heathrow (realized day 3, tried to call and pay but didn’t work and I then set up auto pay).

In my appeal I stated the reason as being forgetful due to a death in the family which is why I was there to do a drop off. I mentioned I tried to call and pay Soon as I could and then set up auto pay etc.

Naturally they rejected the appeal.

Reading the forums it looks like there is a template which refers to registered keeper, signs not being clear, agreement of land owner etc none of which were in my initial appeal. 

My question is this can I still use the template or by having mentioned I called up and tried to pay day 3, saying I forgot etc makes it impossible for me to win an appeal?

If not which sections of the template should I use and which ones should I remove. 

Appreciate the help and great to see a forum on this topic as it’s criminal what they are doing. 

Coupon-mad

You've blown it with that appeal. Sorry...

You had 100% easy win as keeper, a slam-dunk win...but you've no doubt selected 'driver' on the drop down menu and implied who was driving in your words.

Just ignore it or try a doomed POPLA appeal to waste time, and it will time out after 6 months anyway.  The short 6 month limitation is not true with parking charges but this calls itself a 'penalty' charge doesn't it?

Hussaizo

Yes I expected as much - if only I had found this thread before hand! Appreciate you coming back. I can’t remember what I did or didn’t do but atleast with auto pay and any future tickets I know where to come! I’m going to pay the 40 and move on.

For anyone else reading this use the template and don’t be honest lol. 

Thanks again. 

Coupon-mad

There is no need to pay it.

Umkomaas

I don't think APCOA Heathrow drop-off PCNs are 'Penalty Charge' notices, I'm sure they are 'Parking Charge' notices - @Hussaizo, can you please check exactly what it says on the NtK?

You really shouldn't be paying this, there are processes to go through that will likely see the charge dropped by APCOA. 

Le_Kirk

Umkomaas said:

I don't think APCOA Heathrow drop-off PCNs are 'Penalty Charge' notices, I'm sure they are 'Parking Charge' notices - @Hussaizo, can you please check exactly what it says on the NtK?

According to Heathrow's website it is a Parking Charge Notice as stated by @Umkomaas

reward70

If not for BA screwing my flight, I'd not have been in the drop-off area at Heathrow Airport, instead I'd have been on the flight with a friend, having taken a taxi to the airport with them however..... The signs are not clear: until at the point of no return.

When driving into Heathrow Airport, there is no clear signage providing choice i.e., where one can decide to not take the path towards the drop-off point - choosing an alternative route instead. The only time I saw clear signage was once at the base of the ramp leading to drop-off area..... It's a captive market which when not au fais with the area, especially when in a car with traffic at 3, 6, 9 and 12 O'clock and not knowing whether one decision will cause you or other road users a problem.... This fact alone provides limited / no choice. Once at the base of the ramp...... They have you. 

Make no mistake: there is NO choice and this fact alone should make these parking charge notices (invoices) illegal: it is by another name: deception.

Surely, there is a far easier way to raise extra money rather than hacking off customers: I'll do my utmost to avoid using Heathrow in the future.

Coupon-mad

Did you get a PCN just for driving through and not dropping off anyone or stopping?

Can you send me a redacted photo of it, if so? I am about to do a complaint about this.  If anyone has dashcam footage of the lack of signs that would be great, too.

Le_Kirk

Some time ago (maybe two months) someone posted a video of a drive through taken from a dashcam.  I do not have log-in permission for Pepipoo but @Coupon-mad, you might have retained yours and be able to find it.
Also on Pepipoo are two (at least) ex-MSEers @Redx and @nosferatu1001 maybe they can help if you are still in contact with them.

fisherjim

Umkomaas said:

I don't think APCOA Heathrow drop-off PCNs are 'Penalty Charge' notices, I'm sure they are 'Parking Charge' notices - @Hussaizo, can you please check exactly what it says on the NtK?

You really shouldn't be paying this, there are processes to go through that will likely see the charge dropped by APCOA. 

So when is a PCN not a PCN? Heathrow's own website is totally contradictory, work this junk out:

6.1 A Parking Charge Notice may be issued to you if you fail to pay the terminal drop-off charge in accordance with these terms and conditions or you do not comply with any other requirement of these terms and conditions.

7.1 The roads within Heathrow airport, including the terminal drop-off zones, are regulated by traffic orders and byelaws.  Notices specifying such traffic orders and byelaws as may be applicable are displayed at the airport site.   

7.2 Nothing in these terms and conditions replaces or in any way derogates from the provisions of such traffic orders and byelaws as may be in force from time to time.  We reserve the right to take enforcement action against you (including through court proceedings) for breach of such orders or byelaws. 

https://www.heathrow.com/terms-and-conditions/terminal-drop-off-charge-terms-and-conditions

Jenni_D

6.1 and 7.1 are in complete contradiction 🙄

I guess the PPC "helped" them write the terms.