UKPC Parking fees at McDonald's, Broughton

Pessa

Hello everyone, I hope someone can help me. I went to the McDonald's on the 7/5/22 with my new godson and his mum for a celebratory meal. It was a very busy day at McDonald's. We got there and parked at 14:44:48pm and we left 16:50:01, according to the parking charge notice. I received the notice in the post that I went over the time required for McDonald's customers. I normally don't go to McDonalds if not for my godson who loves their chicken nuggets (the only thing he would eat). So it was a shock to receive the parking notice. Our alleged over-stay was not our fault but the restaurant's. 

I went to check the receipt and it showed that we had finished early but we were waiting for our takeaway, alongside other customers, so ended up staying more than the stipulated time (according to UKPC 90mins).

Our food order receipt showed we placed our order at 15:01:42 after arriving at 14:44:48pm. Then we placed another order at 16:26:25, we left at 16:50:01. That day was a Saturday and extremely busy. We waited patiently to be served our food in the restaurant and waited again to get our takeaway meal, after we finished eating and ordered the takeaway meal. 

It was a surprise to get a letter in the post saying I had overstayed.
I appealed the parking charge and waited to hear from them but received no reply for weeks. I was surprised to receive a letter from ZZPZ debt collection agency that I was owing £170 in parking fees. I immediately called them to find out how that happened because I couldn't remember parking elsewhere or owing anyone.

They told me that UKPC had responded to my appeal rejecting it but I had not responded. Big lie! They are gaslighting me. I did not receive any emails from them. To cut a long story short, ZZPZ debt agency are now harassing me with letters threatening me with bailiffs.

I will really appreciate your wise advice on how to deal with my situation. I requested for evidence they have that they wrote to me, I haven't heard anything from them.

Please forgive me if this is not the right thread. I just need advice, please. Thank you in advance.

KeithP

You appear not to have complained to the restaurant. Is that right?

As you found out with your earlier parking incident, it is so often the case that the site occupier is able to solve these issues.

Coupon-mad

 I immediately called them to find out how that happened. 

Stop phoning.

Just get McDonalds to cancel it.

Pessa

KeithP said:

You appear not to have complained to the restaurant. Is that right?

As you found out with your earlier parking incident, it is so often the case that the site occupier is able to solve these issues.

Yes, I did complain to the restaurant. They said they had nothing to do with UKPC. So could not comment on the case.

Pessa

Coupon-mad said:

 I immediately called them to find out how that happened. 

Stop phoning scam companies.  Please don't take Gary Osner at ZZPS seriously.

Just get McDonalds to cancel it.

I had no choice than to call them because the threatening letters have just kept coming. I can't ignore them. 

Pessa

@KeithP and @Coupon-mad, please what would you advise to do next? I really don't need this right now. Would I still be able to request for my case to be heard? Thanks.

Coupon-mad

Pessa said:

Coupon-mad said:

 I immediately called them to find out how that happened. 

Stop phoning scam companies.  Please don't take Gary Osner at ZZPS seriously.

Just get McDonalds to cancel it.

I had no choice than to call them because the threatening letters have just kept coming. I can't ignore them. 

Whyever not? They aren't bailiffs.

Have you read the 4th post of the NEWBIES thread about 'ignore the debt letters' stage? We've done so for over a decade perfectly happily.

Pessa

UPDATE:
Hi, I have received further letters from ZZPZ but as outlined in the threads, I am waiting for a letter from their solicitor as they've threatened.
However, I have seen this article https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/guides/parking-questions-answered?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=brandawareness&utm_term=20220822&utm_content=august2022newsletterenergyrdc_012 online today about private parking charges and being able to charge up to £100 if the fine is not paid early.
What do you think?

Umkomaas

The forum is well aware of the new Code of Practice - in fact one forum regular contributor was a member of the Govt Steering Group and all forum regulars contributed to the two consultations and we are expecting the third consultation in the Autumn. The Code of Practice is on hold until after the results of the consultation. 

None of it affects your parking charge as it stands. Just follow forum advice on the NEWBIES FAQ Announcement, fourth post, regarding ZZPS or any other debt collector. 

Pessa

Hello all, I received an email from a solicitor, QDR solicitors. They haven't said anything about representing anyone but have instructed to sign in to get at a letter they've written.

 Do I have to do that? I don't know if they're from ZZPZ but since that's the only issue I have at the moment, I'm guessing it is ZZPZ and they have instructed a solicitor. 

Should I sign in to view the letter or ignore it, as the main body of the email doesn't tell me who they are, and it could be a phishing email. Please, what do you advise? Thanks. 

Coupon-mad

QDR letters are part of the standard ZZPS letter chain.  No-one has instructed a solicitor, least of all the parking firm! 

Read any other QDR / ZZPS thread.  It's a standard letter you should have been expecting, as seen in all other ZZPS threads.  Perfectly safe to log in and read their drivel, and best to read all letters.

Please don't show us the letter - purely because you already know to ignore debt recovery trash and pics of that exact letter will be here on the forum in hundreds of threads already! It is also covered by any ZZPS QDR thread you find when you search,

Learn from other QDR / ZZPS threads, it helps motorist victims of this scam operation to be prepared (not surprised) by the standard letter chain.