Wish I had visited this forum soon...Help please

Motoring_mad

Hi all

This weekend I stumbled across these forums when searching for how to word my appeal and having read the **Newbies** post, I have realised that I have already made some errors in the way in which I have dealt with the ticket so far.

Therefore, I am asking whether any of you with experience can guide me further.

Parking summary:

I parked on the kerb in London (I didn't realise it was any different to the rest of the country!) and didn't see any signs specifically for where I had parked. 2 hours later I had a ticket and saw signs all around which were different to each other and I still didn't understand what I had done wrong.

The only way to contact Hillingdon Council Parking (APCOA) was on their website by going through the appeals process. I followed the process and didn't click on why I was appealing (as I wasn't at this stage) but just asked in the comments section for an explanation as to why I had been issued a windscreen PCN.

I received a letter back with more information and stating that my 'appeal' had been rejected.

I visited the website again to lodge an appeal on unclear and misleading signage and received a response stating that I can not appeal as I already had. I then had to wait for the Notice to Keeper. The car is a lease vehicle so it went to ARVAL who then advised APCOA that I am the lessee. I have just received the NTK and now I have the opportunity to appeal again.

I was going to appeal on the grounds of "the alleged contravention did not occur" as the signs were inconsistent in terms of visibility and information.

That is when I stumbled on this site and realised that I have been dealing with this incorrectly from the word go.

Has anyone got any advice on what to do or say next?????

Thank you so much!

Below is what my original communication with APCOA said:

06.02.2023.

 

-Question 1 : 'Please explain in as much detail as possible why you think your PCN should be cancelled' Answer : 'To whom it may concern Upon visiting the area for the first time. I believe I carefully checked the parking restriction for the area where I parked. Vehicles were parked over the footpath throughout the location. When I parked my vehicle I looked at the closest sign which you can see behind my vehicle and that suggests that it is permissible to park on the footpath. Therefore, I am unsure why I have been issued with PCN. Please can you explain.' -Question 2 : 'Would you like to upload any other documents to support your case?' Answer : 'No'

20.02.2023.

Question 1 : 'Please explain in as much detail as possible why you think your PCN should be cancelled' Answer : 'Dear L. Mitchell Thank you for responding to my appeal and for kindly clarifying the rule 244 of the highway code. Thank you for also providing me with the image of my vehicle from the rear. When looking where to park the signage opposite (approximately 10 metres) my vehicle is different to the sign that is behind my vehicle. It is also provides more clarity on which side of the sign one can park as it is is aligned parallel to the road. The sign I saw behind my vehicle (footway parking allowed) and the one that you kindly pointed out is double sided and perpendicular to the road therefore not visible when driving is therefore highly confusing. I am therefore appealing on the grounds that sign that I parked next to is not clear and confusing. It also makes me question why Hillingdon Borough and Apcoa are using differing signs that represent the same restrictions to add to the confusion. I have attached both signs for reference. I kindly request that you reconsider your decision.' -Question 2 : 'Would you like to upload any other documents to support your case?' Answer : 'Yes' -Question 3 : 'Please upload a copy of your supporting document(s)' Answer : 'Files Uploaded - 'PCN.jpeg', '


 

Umkomaas

As we major on private parking tickets here, PePiPoo will be your best bet for council tickets. Register there but please note that a Hotmail address won't work - try using a throwaway Gmail account instead if you do have trouble registering, and post a new thread; here's your link:

http://forums.pepipoo.com/index.php?act=SF&s=&f=30

Read the sticky 'Read this before you post' as well as reading through some of the other threads there ahead of posting your own details, to get the hang of what information they need from you in your opening post - but as a minimum you will need to post redacted photos/scans of all correspondence you've received from the council (both sides, if appropriate), as they need to see all the small print.

Motoring_mad

Thanks for your reply, I assumed that because it was APCOA who managed the parking for the council it would be the same as a private parking ticket. So, I've already learnt something new from this forum! Thanks for your quick reply

Coupon-mad

Nope, APCOA also act for a few Local Authorities and this is therefore a Council Penalty Charge.