Initial Parking - I paid but forgot the number plate

imalrightjack

Letter received today. 

I have the proof I paid on a bank statement and the ticket itself. Quite why the machine does not REQUIRE a number plate without issuing a ticket is beyond me. 

How should I respond?

Thanks!

Fruitcake

Plan A is always a complaint from the vehicle keeper to the landowner and the keeper's MP. Point out that the technology exists to prevent a payment from being processed unless the correct VRM has been entered, but unregulated private parking companies refuse to use them because it reduces their income.

Plan B is to appeal using the template in blue text you will find in the sticky Announcement for NEWBIES. Send it unaltered from the keeper.

Plan C is an appeal to PoPLA using all the standard points available to you from the third post of the NEWBIES. If Initial Parking don't offer a reduced charge of £20 for a major keying error, which is a breach of the BPA CoP, then that will be your point 1.

KeithP

imalrightjack said:

Quite why the machine does not REQUIRE a number plate without issuing a ticket is beyond me. 

There's a simple answer to that.

If the machine insisted on a correct number plate being entered, their takings every day would be significantly less.

Think about it. If everyone followed all the rules of parking, the parking company would make no money at all.

imalrightjack

KeithP said:

imalrightjack said:

Quite why the machine does not REQUIRE a number plate without issuing a ticket is beyond me. 

There's a simple answer to that.

If the machine insisted on a correct number plate being entered, their takings every day would be significantly less.

Think about it. If everyone followed all the rules of parking, the parking company would make no money at all.

It should make a challenge simple enough - their system doesn’t  require it, therefore surely it’s not mandatory. The only reason I didn’t put it in is because it was so unclear what to do first.

Coupon-mad

They'll offer to settle at £20 but you could choose to ignore them after that.

Nothing will happen except £170 demands, but just in case, make sure you tell Initial if you move house in the next 6 years. You need to see every letters to be sure you aren't missing a court claim (no biggie, and Initial don't!).

Could you please help us by adding a front & back photo of the (your data redacted) NTK here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6483542/a-thread-of-pictures-of-2023-parking-firm-ntks/p1

Thanks!

imalrightjack

@Coupon-mad

I've added the pics as requested.  Which is the best option for responding?  Thanks!

I should add, it was known as the 'Iceland carpark' but Iceland is now closed.  Not sure that makes a difference but unsure who to contact, as land owner.

Fruitcake

You need to delete the images on the other thread as you have left your PCN number showing. Someone could do a lot of damage with that.

Fruitcake

imalrightjack said:

@Coupon-mad

I've added the pics as requested.  Which is the best option for responding?  Thanks!

I should add, it was known as the 'Iceland carpark' but Iceland is now closed.  Not sure that makes a difference but unsure who to contact, as land owner.

Initial Parking's NTKs weren't PoFA complaint when they first started operating, but quickly got their act together. Their NTKs including the one you posted on the other thread are now PoFA compliant.

Appeal as already advised using the template in blue text from the NEWBIES. Add a one liner that the correct payment was paid and include a photo of the ticket.

At PoPLA you should repeat that point, and that the NTK only mentions payment not made. It does not mention an incorrect VRM being entered. 

imalrightjack

Thanks, @Fruitcake - I didn't think it was of any relevance, as there was no name or number plate showing.  Removed though, cheers!

Is this the right template?  Do I need to actually edit this?  I've added a line and will attach them.

Re PCN number: 

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.

If the allegation concerns a PDT machine, the data supplied in response to this appeal must include the record of payments made - showing partial VRNs - and an explanation of the reason for the PCN, because your Notice does not explain it.

If the allegation involves an alleged overstay of minutes, your evidence must include the actual grace period agreed by the landowner.

Please also see attached ticket from the date and time of alleged offence, along with a redacted bank statement.

Le_Kirk

It's not an offence, use the term "event".You might want to make it clear that the ticket was given to you by the driver after the event.

imalrightjack

@Fruitcake - can you advise, before I submit, please?