Parking fine - hospital appointment

AndrewsF99

I recently had an antenatal appointment at the hospital and had parked on site. Normally, I use the Ringo app to pay for my parking when I arrive but this time it wasn't working so had to go inside the hospital building to pay using the machine.

I was heavily pregnant and struggled with my walking at this point so wasn't the quickest at getting back to my car to put the ticket in the window. I get back and no sign of a fine so thought all was okay.

Fast forward two weeks, a fine comes through the post. They hadn't given any grace period to allow you time to grab a ticket, the fine was issued as being seen without a ticket at a specific time and the fine was issued then. I didn't keep the printed ticket as I didn't think there was any need to. 

I appealed the fine and sent evidence that I was heavily pregnant and there for an appointment but I didn't have the actual ticket to prove I put a ticket in. It's unfortunate timing. I also paid with cash so have no way of providing a bank statement as proof of payment. 

I appealed the ticket and they have come back and said they stand by the time and that I should appeal the decision with the independent appeals service but I've just googled them and they seem to have many negative reviews and querying who actually funds them. If they deny my appeal, who else can I appeal to as I don't think it's fair that they didn't allow at least 5/10 minutes to allow people to go in and get a physical ticket. 

fisherjim

You have not received a "fine" it's an invoice from a private parking company.

Who are "they"?

"They" would say they stand by the time they are only interested in making money!

Have you been and complained to PALS at the hospital?

Have you read the newbies thread on here?

nopcns

Which parking company? Which hospital location? Have you read the Newbies/FAQ thread yet?

Plan A, contact PALS and have them get the Pan cancelled. If they try and fob you off, email the CEO of the NHS Trust for the hospital and complain about the fact that their as their agent has discriminated against you in breach of the Equality Act 2010 as "pregnancy and maternity" are protected characteristics and they are jointly and severally liable for the actions of their agents.