Brighton train station Taxi-Rank POPLA appeal outcome - Success story!

AAKK

I was one of the people who got a PCN for driving through the Brighton station tax-rank area without knowing about it. 
Last time I drove into that area to drop off someone was in 2017!
I was driving a rental car at that time back in late May when the camera registered the car driving into the area.
In a naive and honest approach, I sent an appeal to APCOA explaining how I had no idea. They, of course responded back negatively and that they will not consider the appeal.
Then I came across this brilliant forum which helped me a lot by just searching through existing cases and gathering information about appeals and learning what is what and how the thinking process behind appeals should really be, I decided to go for POPLA appeal since I was given the chance to do so.
Just wanted to thank this forum back form sharing guidance and experiences which have helped me in the process of writing the appeal and figuring out what to look for.

I have submitted my appeal to POPLA and have now received there following response back:

"Dear Mr A,

The operator has contacted us and told us that they have withdrawn your appeal.

If you have already paid your parking charge, this is the reason your appeal will have been withdrawn. Unfortunately, you cannot pay your parking charge and appeal, which means that POPLA’s involvement in your appeal has ended. You will not be able to request a refund of the amount paid in order to resubmit your appeal to us.

If you have not paid your parking charge, the operator has reviewed your appeal and chosen to cancel the parking charge. As the operator has withdrawn your appeal, POPLA’s involvement has now ended and you do not need to take any further action.

Kind regards

POPLA Team"

Note: The forum did not allow me to post a link to the full appeal I have sent so I have attached it as images.

I know that many people don't know that they have the right not to pay for this trap. The 20 minuets that I had spent on that site taking some photos as evidence, I could count more than 7 cars entering the taxi- rank location without even knowing! It's a money printing machine for APCOA!

I hope this helps people with a similar case.

Many thanks.

AA

Coupon-mad

Nicely done.  I know that nasty trap zone well and wrote that POPLA Appeal. Glad it still works.

You can either park on the double yellows on the road beyond the first roundabout (not private land and sitting on DYL is fine if picking up a passenger - it's what BHCC and all Councils provide DYL for).  It's exempt activity.

Or you can use the NCP car park waiting/drop off but only for a few minutes.  I wouldn't.

Just use the DYL on the road ahead of you as you drive up the first approach road. The one with flats.  Park there for passenger collection or drop off.

Please can you also post this in POPLA DECISIONS at the top of the forum?

AAKK

Thanks @Coupon-mad. I read your instructions and went ahead and used your appeal and added a bit extra. Got some ideas from other appeals. The planning permission for the camera was a good one too since I couldn't find a planning approval for it.
Appreciate all the help.