Parking ticket PCN appeal refused - it is worth following up?

jamlal

Hi there - wanted to get some advice on whether it's worth escalating, or should I just pay the fine?

I received a PCN parking ticket from Ealing council on 17/06 as I did not have a valid permit.  The problem I have is that is the Ealing council parking website had a problem that would not accept the car registration details, so I could not purchase my residents permit.

I tried my best in numerous ways to point this out to Ealing Council on 17/06 and 18/06, to complain and try to get a permit manually but there is no direct contact:

• I emailed Ealing parking services 17/06 (automated email says 7 working days to be dealt with)

• I raised a complaint on Ealing council website (18/06)

• I left a message on the Taranto (the company that makes the parking website (17/06).

• I called Ealing parking (17/06 &18/06) and left requests for call backs
  

I received a call back on 19/06 and the lady told me there had been a problem with the system, but it was fixed so I successfully applied for my residents permit. She also told me to challenge the parking ticket – explaining the website system was not working properly and ticket will be dropped.

Although we sympathize with the circumstances you have stated, they do not invalidate the PCN issued or exempt you from having to comply with all the road and parking restrictions. Alternative appropriate means for parking, such as Visitors vouchers, Pay by Phone or Pay and Display tickets (where applicable) should be used.

It is the driver’s responsibility to be aware of any and all parking restrictions and to make sure their vehicle is parked legally.

It doesn't feel fair to me, that I tried to pay for parking & spent hours following up tyring to tell them - it was the council's problem, not mine.  Should I try to make a formal representation & then appeal to an adjudicator? Or just pay the PCN at the reduced rate in the first 14 days?

Would welcome the thoughts of people that know more about this than me?
Thank you!

Gr1pr

Then you should post your query over on the ftla parking forum in their council section there, after reading their posting requirements first, because they have the people that can reply to your query once its been posted 

jamlal

Thanks - will try that.  I didn't know FTLA was even a thing!

jamlal

Update:  Just got my call back #2 from the request on 18/06.

I spoke to the lady & explained the PCN cancellation had been declined, she agreed it sounded harsh and she'd follow up with the PCN team and make my case...

Just got an email from PCN team:

Thank you for your correspondence about the above Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

We have looked at the case in detail and we have accepted your representations on this

occasion. Therefore, we have cancelled the above PCN.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

However, any similar or additional PCNs may not be cancelled, and this decision must not be

taken as a precedent.

In light of the above the case is closed and no further action need be taken.

Fantastic result!  

Coupon-mad

Quite right too! Thanks for the update.