Unfair behaviour by Privately operated carpark management company

GeorgeFormby

Coupon-mad said:

dave77238u38 said:

I cant believe the response I got from IAS, shocking really 

We can.  96% of cases heard are lost.

Would love to know what percentage of those 96% are subsequently won in court. I don't suppose there's any resource to know within this cowboy industry.

fisherjim

dave77238u38 said:

Thank you all for the info, I will be sending PALs a strongly worded email.

.
You also need to tell them that you will be escalating this to the Hospital CEO if they don't take this scam seriously

Fruitcake

I would complain to the head of the hospital trust anyway, pointing out how unhelpful PALS were, remind them of the NHS parking principles, that the hospital is responsible for the actions of their sub-contractor, and that the Equality Act 2010 may have been breached.

You should also complain to your MP, and possibly even the Secretary of State for Health, whoever that happens to be today.

I wouldn't wait to see the outcome before you go to local and national press/media either, because other motorists need to be warned about this unregulated industry, referred to as scammers, rogues, and bloodsuckers by MPs across all parties "In the House".

Half_way

Please post the complaint here first

dave77238u38

Below is the draft email I intend to send to PALs

Input would be greatly appreciated 

PCN xxxxxxxxxxxx

Dear PALs, 

I find myself writing this email to complain about the underhand tactics applied by the Private management firm known as WISE PARKING.

On 06th May 2022, I had an appointment at lewisham hospital, as a blue badge holder I parked my vehicle in the UHL blue badge carpark and displayed his badge on the dashboard. which I have done many times over the years.  

I did notice new signs on display within the carpark, but the only text that was visible to read was the words -  “BLUE BADGE HOLDERS ONLY, 4 HRS MAX STAY”. The remaining text on the sign was far too small to read. I parked my vehicle and thought no more of it.

On 14th May I received a PCN in the post from Wise Parking demanding payment of £80 (£40 if paid within 14 days) Contravention - Vehicle not registered.

This prompted me to return to the carpark to see what they were referring to.  I took photos of the 3x new signs on display within the carpark and I had to zoom in on my phone to see the text.  3 paragraphs down were the words written "If parking within a blue badge bay your full correct registration must be registered at reception every time you visit".             

I appealed to Wise Parking Ltd within the time frame, I argued  3 points -

1- the printed text on the sign to which sets out their terms and conditions, with particular reference to this contravention (registration), was too small to read. 

2- There was a large sign at the entrance to this carpark inviting blue badge holders can park for free up to 4 hours with no reference to registration on it.

3- There were no signs at the entrance of the blue badge carpark that summarises the rules in place and notifies the driver that specific terms and conditions will apply inside.

Not surprising they did not acknowledge the points I raised,  but insisting the PCN  and its associated processes are in line with industry standards, despite all 3 points being a requirement as a member of the Accredited Operator Scheme (AOS) as per the terms of "The International Parking Community (IPC) Code of practice v8 (2021)".

To make things even worse, after I appealed to Wise Parking 16th May2022 I returned to the same blue Badge carpark on 25th June 2022 where I received the PCN some weeks earlier.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Upon entering the carpark, I noticed that Wise Parking had made significate changes to the signage within the blue badge carpark and at the entrance, these changes to the signage are relevant to this case as they highlight key points I raised as a defense at the appeal stage.

1-     Wise Parking have installed additional signs directly under the existing signage which has a much larger printed text that states:  “Blue Badge   Holders Please register your vehicle at reception. If you don’t you’ll receive a parking charge”. 

2-     Wise Parking removed the large sign at the entrance to the blue badge carpark which has been there for many years inviting blue badge holders to park, with large red text that stated:   “Disabled badge Holders may park free up to 4 hours in disabled bays only”

3-     Not only did they remove it, Wise parking went on to have new signs made, and then displayed these signs to both the entrance and exit that summarises the rules in place and notifies the driver that specific terms and conditions will apply inside.

It is clear from the photos taken by myself on 25th June 2022 that the additional signs Wise Parking had made, then installed directly under the existing signs and throughout the carpark, were to make it clear, legible and prominent, so it’s brought to the driver’s attention.  

As per the NHS carpark guidance 2022 for NHS trust and NHS foundation trusts 

Under - NHS Contracted-out car parking

NHS organisations are responsible for the actions of private contractors who run car parks on their behalf.  

NHS organisations should act against rogue contractors in line with the relevant codes of practice, where applicable.

Contracts should not be let on any basis that incentivises additional charges, for example ‘income from parking charge notices only’.

Wise Parking have passed the debt which currently stands at £150 to Trace Debt Recovery Ltd with threats of legal action if I don't pay them in fall.

As pointed out above, “You” NHS Lewisham are responsible for the actions of private contractors (Wise Parking) who run car parks on your behalf.

I strongly ask you to intervene to have this PCN cancelled due to the dishonest actions from Wise Parking and the fact they are in breach of The International Parking Community (IPC) Code of practice v8 (2021) 

Regards

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx                  

Mouse007

dave77238u38 said:

As per the NHS carpark guidance 2022 for NHS trust and NHS foundation trusts 

Under - NHS Contracted-out car parking

NHS organisations are responsible for the actions of private contractors who run car parks on their behalf.  

I would add that bit to your opening paragraph, it is too far down and you need to grab their attention early on.

Le_Kirk

Not "Regards" but "yours faithfully"

Fruitcake

Instead of PCN, say Parking Charge Notice (PCN) to explain what it is, then just use PCN thereafter.

dave77238u38

Thanks you all for the input, I will amend my letter to reflect your points. 

1505grandad

Use (capital letters) for place names  -  for instance "appointment at (l)ewisham hospital"

".... I parked my vehicle in the UHL blue badge carpark and displayed (his) badge on the dashboard"

Is (this) correct  -  is not yours?