PCN - Heathrow Airport - I think I've shot myself in the foot

Gotfined

Hi all,

I was issued a PCN today via email.

Unfortunately, the reason they were able to deliver it to me was because I appealed for help by their customer service line.

I parked on the Saturday evening, tried to make payment on the Sunday and got stuck on the registration page not loading. Having not seen there was a 48 hour time limit anywhere (you literally have to read the T&C's before it makes that time limit clear?! The FAQs only have it listed specifically for Blue card holders or Taxis) I didn't think twice about revisiting the page to attempt later. So the next weekend when I went back to pay it, the dates were greyed out and I contacted their customer service via email, noting that given the failure of technology, could I please pay the £5 fee via another means now, to which they said no (money grabbing pricks.)

This brings me to today, Wed, 10 days on and via the same email address they've told me they've issued a PCN and given me the number.

I presume in doing all of this I've identified myself as the driver, given them the means to contact me, admitted I agreed to the contract (albeit not knowingly in its full capacity), etc. etc. which feel like the core points on which to contest it off the base template:

"I dispute your 'parking charge', as the keeper of the vehicle. I deny any liability or contractual agreement and I will be making a complaint about your predatory conduct to your client landowner.

There will be no admissions as to who was driving and no assumptions can be drawn. Since your PCN is a vague template, I require an explanation of the allegation and your evidence. You must include a close up actual photograph of the sign you contend was at the location on the material date as well as your images of the vehicle."

So a bit stuck on where to now. I have no proof of the website failure. In theory I could have called the number and didn't. Do I have a hope or should I just take the "bribe" and pay the lesser fee?

Grizebeck

Just follow the newbies thread.... and if they turn you down just find airport popla appeals

Coupon-mad

Yep. We doubt APCOA will join the dots from your customer service contact to the PCN so when it arrives appeal it as registered keeper NOT SAYING WHO WAS DRIVING.

Not '"I parked"!

Is the correct address on your V5C?

You must be sure the PCN is coming to the right address, if no PCN arrives, don't assume from silence that they haven't posted it.

You have 100% win v APCOA at Heathrow as long as the APPEALS do not imply who was driving.  Forget the other contact.


Edited to change to APCOA/Heathrow!

Umkomaas

I presume in doing all of this I've identified myself as the driver, given them the means to contact me

Your contact with them would not have 'given them the means' to contact you. They will have obtained your (registered keeper) details electronically from the DVLA, a few seconds after the time to pay the £5 charge expired. 

Gotfined

Thanks all! You've made me feel much better and I've gone and submitted the generic appeal. Didn't realise they then also put the fine on hold, so makes me feel like I'm not taking a chance on doubling the fine. 

And yes, my V5C is correct, but it's a recent car purchase (second hand) so there's a chance the broader system isn't up to date? No idea. 

Fruitcake

You were advised to wait for the NTK then appeal as keeper, not go off at half-c0ck having received a spam email.

I believe a PCN must be given to either the driver or the keeper by hand or by post.

I do not believe something sent to you by email meets the strict requirements of the PoFA 2012, and therefore unless and until you receive something in your hand or in the post, it cannot constitute a PCN.

Anyway, it's only APCOA so there is no harm done.