Problems with the machine, now fined over £100

YorkshireJames

Trip out as a family, unfamiliar place. We pull up at the carpark. I try to get a ticket, but it seems you pay afterwards as they have number plate recognition.

We stay for about an hour. I go back to the machines and try to pay, it should be £2 or something around that. I put number plate in, it says I've nothing to pay. I can't pay zero, it won't let me. I try again at another machine. Same again. I can't get a ticket.

I figure maybe we've been just less than an hour and it only does whole hours, or the machine is broken. There seems to be a problem with one of the other machines and a few people talking about it. I take a photo of the machine saying I owe zero and eventually get all the kids back in the car.

I've now got a threatening letter for a huge fine.

I appealed it with the above info and a the photo, thinking it would be straightforward. The parking company have rejected my appeal as it's my responsibility to make sure I paid and they say I had to do something on the machine to make it update the parking time.

I'm happy to pay the amount of time I was there, just as I was on the day when I tried to pay three times, but the fine seems unjust and I can't afford it.

I can still pay early for a reduced amount. It says i can appeal to the POPLA.

What should I do?

YorkshireJames

I also have a health condition that effects my cognitive function and memory. Forgot to mention that 

LoneStarState

The good news is that your evidence of the machine requesting £0 is going to be of great help so well done on doing that.

You say it seems that you pay at the end, where did it say that?  Also what is the contravention they've actually alleged on the parking ticket?  If you're comfortable doing so, you could post a scan/photo of the parking ticket they've sent REDACTING your name, address, PCN reference, date (and also reg no. if you wish).

You say you went out with the family. Where was this location?  You should consider a firm complaint to the landowner of the car park/place you visited.  I would strongly recommend you read the Newbies thread which is pinned toward the top of this forum space.  This will give you info on your angle of attack in more detail than what I have given.

PS, this is NOT a fine.  This is nothing more than a speculative invoice from a company chancing that you'll just pay up for an alleged breach of contract.

Coupon-mad

Which PPC?

GOOD MOVE!  Always do this:

I take a photo of the machine saying I owe zero and eventually get all the kids back in the car.

Clive_Woody

Coupon-mad said:

Which PPC?

GOOD MOVE!  Always do this:

I take a photo of the machine saying I owe zero and eventually get all the kids back in the car.

Absolutely, no matter how bad it seems, don't leave the kids behind 

Half_way

Clive_Woody said:

Coupon-mad said:

Which PPC?

GOOD MOVE!  Always do this:

I take a photo of the machine saying I owe zero and eventually get all the kids back in the car.

Absolutely, no matter how bad it seems, don't leave the kids behind 

Or else they may be found by the parking company and turned into PPC foot patrol staff 

YorkshireJames

I think I may have ticked a box to say I was the driver when I made my initial appeal. Is that a problem?

Coupon-mad

We've no idea if you don't tell us which PPC.

YorkshireJames

Initial Parking

Coupon-mad

OK so appeal to POPLA as admitted driver,  with your photo evidence and also attach evidence of your medical condition and state that the machines were both not displaying a sum to pay and there was a lack of plain English instructions about what to do.

And add the usual points seen in post 3 of the NEWBIES thread about unclear signs and no landowner authority. 

YorkshireJames

Thanks for all your help. The landowner asked Initial to cancel the charge. Phew!