Unfair Parking Ticket

Helena987

On 15th July from 18:31 to 18:43 I was in a car park that had Smart Parking signs.  The signs in the car park said parking could be paid via the Smart Parking app.  I downloaded the app but the car park ID on the sign wasn't working, it also kept coming up with an error message when trying to add card payment details. I stayed in the car trying to get the app to work while my partner got out of the vehicle to read the sign and see if there was any other information that could help us but there was none. We tried to pay using the app for 12 mins but we were unsuccessful so we left and parked somewhere else.

I then received a letter advising that if I don't pay £60 by a certain date the payment will go up to £100 plus a £10 admin fee.  I appealed against it through their Smart Parking website. I checked the app again and the same error message came up when trying to add payment details so I took a screenshot and attached it to my appeal. 

I have now received a response saying they have declined and I still have to pay.  The letter said they are rejecting because even though I didn't get out the car I still have to pay.  They didn't acknowledge the fact that their app wasn't working or acknowledge the screenshot I took of the app not working.  I have checked their app again and it seems to be working now.

Their letter says they have extended the discount period for me to pay but if I want to appeal I have to go through POPLA and they have given me a code for this. Please can you advise what I would be best to do.  Are Smart Parking scammers?  Thank you.

Coupon-mad

Read the NEWBIES thread. It explains about POPLA.

Such a shame you didn't come here first because you've already binned the 100% winning appeal point, by telling them who was driving.