Due to my Mental Health I am strugging to navigate PCN from Private company

anxiousboxkitten

For starters I want to say that I did look on the sticky post. I read through it but I was so overwhelmed with what to do so I am asking here.

I'm sorry if this goes against the rules but I am really struggling and I haven't been successful getting help outside of the web.

There is a public road and it has several parking bays facing a business on that road.

I had to park in this bay because I was late for a meeting and couldn't find nearby parking. There was no indication that these bays are for a local business.

I got the PCN from CPS Midlands ltd. They want £100 (£60 if within 14 days). They say you need to write to them to appeal, no email or call. They will only accept the appeal if I give them all my personal information.

Their payment method also states that you need to pay online and give all your personal information (council doesn't even ask for this).

If you pay them by postal order and forget the reference number they will cash it and you'll still owe them. This is really slimy and puts me off wanting to contact them.

The reason according to them is for parking without a valid permit or ticket.

There were no signs to indicate this was the case, never mind that it was private parking.

The 'ticket' also says there are numerous signs.

When I went back to the spot I found an A4 sized faded red sign saying no parking, it was on the wall in the middle of all the bays, impossible to see from where I parked (there was a van next to me at the time).

There is also, next to it, a similiar sized sign with a wall of tiny text (assuming this is the terms for parking). The only other signs with readible writing from the car are warnings that the building is protected by security and to call their number. Nothing about tickets/permits or parking.

I wanted to contact the business premise where I parked to see if they could do something but you need to be buzzed in and I'm really weird about going places like that. I'm also worried about emailing/calling so they don't get my name or number.

They talk about appealing and how you can go to the IAS. I'm aware, from the sticky post, that the IAS is a croc.

I'm really getting stressed with this but I'm determined not to give in. I'm worried about my credit score, I don't want to get a record of having to go to court.

I get conflicting advice from family, 'pay it', 'ignore it'.

I have pictures of the parking space but not detailed ones of the signs. I didn't want to get close incase the people in the business got suspicious of me.

I don't want to post the pics here in case the CPS company know who I am. (im not in the pics but the place I parked is).

I know I sound paranoid. I'm just really worried and ignorant of what I can and can't do.

Please help me.

Fruitcake

anxiousboxkitten said:

For starters I want to say that I did look on the sticky post. I read through it but I was so overwhelmed with what to do so I am asking here.

I'm sorry if this goes against the rules but I am really struggling and I haven't been successful getting help outside of the web.

There is a public road and it has several parking bays facing a business on that road.

I had to park in this bay because I was late for a meeting and couldn't find nearby parking. There was no indication that these bays are for a local business.

I got the PCN from CPS Midlands ltd. They want £100 (£60 if within 14 days). They say you need to write to them to appeal, no email or call. They will only accept the appeal if I give them all my personal information.

Their payment method also states that you need to pay online and give all your personal information (council doesn't even ask for this).

If you pay them by postal order and forget the reference number they will cash it and you'll still owe them. This is really slimy and puts me off wanting to contact them.

The reason according to them is for parking without a valid permit or ticket.

There were no signs to indicate this was the case, never mind that it was private parking.

The 'ticket' also says there are numerous signs.

When I went back to the spot I found an A4 sized faded red sign saying no parking, it was on the wall in the middle of all the bays, impossible to see from where I parked (there was a van next to me at the time).

There is also, next to it, a similiar sized sign with a wall of tiny text (assuming this is the terms for parking). The only other signs with readible writing from the car are warnings that the building is protected by security and to call their number. Nothing about tickets/permits or parking.

I wanted to contact the business premise where I parked to see if they could do something but you need to be buzzed in and I'm really weird about going places like that. I'm also worried about emailing/calling so they don't get my name or number.

They talk about appealing and how you can go to the IAS. I'm aware, from the sticky post, that the IAS is a croc.

I'm really getting stressed with this but I'm determined not to give in. I'm worried about my credit score, I don't want to get a record of having to go to court.

I get conflicting advice from family, 'pay it', 'ignore it'.

I have pictures of the parking space but not detailed ones of the signs. I didn't want to get close incase the people in the business got suspicious of me.

I don't want to post the pics here in case the CPS company know who I am. (im not in the pics but the place I parked is).

I know I sound paranoid. I'm just really worried and ignorant of what I can and can't do.

Please help me.

First of all, you are in the right place to get the best help there is. The advice here is always, do not pay, do not ignore, do not reveal the driver's identity.

If the only way to appeal is by post, then do so using the template in blue text from the NEWBIES sticky thread. There is only one appeal in blue text.

Send it unaltered from the registered keeper, first class, from a Post Office counter, and make sure you obtain the free proof of posting certificate.

In addition, get photos of the site and signage to show that it was inadequate. 

B789

Welcome and stop panicking. You are dealing with bottom dwelling scammers and there is plenty you can do about this and gain a valuable life skill in the process.

Firstly, tell us the location as there may already be similar cases. Also, it means we can have a look using Google Street view to analyse any signage.

Second, can you post a redacted (of your name, address, VRM and PCN number but leave everything else visible) of the PCN. We need to see if it is PoFA 2012 compliant.

This is most likely also easily winnable on poor signage.

anxiousboxkitten

B789 said:

Welcome and stop panicking. You are dealing with bottom dwelling scammers and there is plenty you can do about this and gain a valuable life skill in the process.

Firstly, tell us the location as there may already be similar cases. Also, it means we can have a look using Google Street view to analyse any signage.

Second, can you post a redacted (of your name, address, VRM and PCN number but leave everything else visible) of the PCN. We need to see if it is PoFA 2012 compliant.

This is most likely also easily winnable on poor signage.

Google maps link:

I can't post links. Here is a screeny from google maps view:

But this is from 2021 I believe.

Only thing that changed is there is an a4 sized no parking sign, very faded, near where the yellow danger sign is.

Here is the "PCN" -

Their paper is too see thru so I had to redact even from the back XD.

Here is a recent pic, notice the no parking 'sign':

Thank you so much for the help.

anxiousboxkitten

Fruitcake said:

anxiousboxkitten said:

For starters I want to say that I did look on the sticky post. I read through it but I was so overwhelmed with what to do so I am asking here.

I'm sorry if this goes against the rules but I am really struggling and I haven't been successful getting help outside of the web.

There is a public road and it has several parking bays facing a business on that road.

I had to park in this bay because I was late for a meeting and couldn't find nearby parking. There was no indication that these bays are for a local business.

I got the PCN from CPS Midlands ltd. They want £100 (£60 if within 14 days). They say you need to write to them to appeal, no email or call. They will only accept the appeal if I give them all my personal information.

Their payment method also states that you need to pay online and give all your personal information (council doesn't even ask for this).

If you pay them by postal order and forget the reference number they will cash it and you'll still owe them. This is really slimy and puts me off wanting to contact them.

The reason according to them is for parking without a valid permit or ticket.

There were no signs to indicate this was the case, never mind that it was private parking.

The 'ticket' also says there are numerous signs.

When I went back to the spot I found an A4 sized faded red sign saying no parking, it was on the wall in the middle of all the bays, impossible to see from where I parked (there was a van next to me at the time).

There is also, next to it, a similiar sized sign with a wall of tiny text (assuming this is the terms for parking). The only other signs with readible writing from the car are warnings that the building is protected by security and to call their number. Nothing about tickets/permits or parking.

I wanted to contact the business premise where I parked to see if they could do something but you need to be buzzed in and I'm really weird about going places like that. I'm also worried about emailing/calling so they don't get my name or number.

They talk about appealing and how you can go to the IAS. I'm aware, from the sticky post, that the IAS is a croc.

I'm really getting stressed with this but I'm determined not to give in. I'm worried about my credit score, I don't want to get a record of having to go to court.

I get conflicting advice from family, 'pay it', 'ignore it'.

I have pictures of the parking space but not detailed ones of the signs. I didn't want to get close incase the people in the business got suspicious of me.

I don't want to post the pics here in case the CPS company know who I am. (im not in the pics but the place I parked is).

I know I sound paranoid. I'm just really worried and ignorant of what I can and can't do.

Please help me.

First of all, you are in the right place to get the best help there is. The advice here is always, do not pay, do not ignore, do not reveal the driver's identity.

If the only way to appeal is by post, then do so using the template in blue text from the NEWBIES sticky thread. There is only one appeal in blue text.

Send it unaltered from the registered keeper, first class, from a Post Office counter, and make sure you obtain the free proof of posting certificate.

In addition, get photos of the site and signage to show that it was inadequate. 

Hi,

I would do this but I'd rather they didn't get my name and address. I'd rather do something like that over email.

I suppose I could send the template and tell them to reply by email?

Fruitcake

They will buy the registered keeper's address from the DVLA for £2.50 so giving them that information won't hurt your case. By appealing first the hope is that they might forget to send a Notice to Keeper (NTK) meaning the keeper cannot be held liable.

If you can't appeal online or by email, then send a postal appeal from a Post Office counter as already advised. 

Appeal as keeper and do not answer their questions about naming the driver. (Only answer A, C, and E, and emphasising this is the registered keeper's address, not the driver's, and the appeal is from the registered keeper, not the driver).
Keep a copy of the appeal.

Appeal around day 25 or 26 of the date of the alleged event, or await the NTK and then appeal. It won't make much difference either way.

A No Parking sign is prohibitive meaning nothing is being offered to the motorist and therefore there can be no contract, and therefore no breach of contract. That's a useful photo.

Please tell us the precise location and the date of the alleged event. It may have cropped up here before, and the date will help if/when you get a NTK.

B789

You need to read the Newbies/FAQ thread about appealing windscreen NtDs from an IPC member. Basically, they are going to get your details from the DVLA and then send you an NtK which you will then appeal using the blue template appeal in that thread. DO NOT identify who was the driver. No "I drove..." or "I parked..." etc.

You are appealing as the Registered Keeper, not as the driver (two separate legal entities).

Are your details up to date on your V5C logbook? That is where they are going to get your details from.

B789

So, this is the place:

https://goo.gl/maps/YNNgBg1xAompztWt8

Is the signage any different now from what it was in 2021? Can you go back and take some photos of the signage, preferably under the same lighting conditions when you were there. Point out which bay you were in and where the van that was obscuring any sign was parked.

anxiousboxkitten

B789 said:

Is the signage any different now from what it was in 2021? Can you go back and take some photos of the signage, preferably under the same lighting conditions when you were there. Point out which bay you were in and where the van that was obscuring any sign was parked.

I can't link my comment with the image I took because I am a new member but here it is:

This image is from the last few days. As you can see the no parking sign is on the wooden shack. Its above the yellow warning signs.

The car was parked on the far right bay (can't see it on the image above). Van was next to the car.

B789

Absolutely winnable on signage alone. There's no sign at the entrance to the private land. The signs are atrocious and do not conform anywhere near the CoP of the IPC. Where is there any mention of requiring a valid permit? Where is the sign that says how you go about acquiring a permit. The list is endless for this location. A total, 100% scam.

Have you tried to find out who owns that bit of land? You need to write to YOUR MP and ask them to complain to the unregulated private parking company that is operating this outrageous scam.

anxiousboxkitten

B789 said:

Absolutely winnable on signage alone. There's no sign at the entrance to the private land. The signs are atrocious and do not conform anywhere near the CoP of the IPC. Where is there any mention of requiring a valid permit? Where is the sign that says how you go about acquiring a permit. The list is endless for this location. A total, 100% scam.

Have you tried to find out who owns that bit of land? You need to write to YOUR MP and ask them to complain to the unregulated private parking company that is operating this outrageous scam.

I got the courage to go there again and get closer to the building. Can you see on my image where the yellow signs are? There is an a4 sized sheet with tiny writing.

I went up to get and got a close shot.

It appears to be the information on parking. Is this valid? It's so hard to see or notice if you are in a car in one of the bays.