Parking Charge - Horizon

Headache27

Hi, first time poster so still finding my way. I have received a parking charge from Horizon as the registered keeper (have not disclosed driver - learned that on here - thank you!) The charge is for overstaying the 15 minute allocation after midnight. It was for 43 minutes. I have read the great advice on threads but just would appreciate some feedback to check i'm on the right lines.

1. The 'offence' was on Dec 15 but I only recieved the letter on 3.1.25. My understanding is it has to be in 14 days?

2. The wording of, '28 days from the second working day' is not POFA compliant? 

3. I was not the driver.

4. Insufficient signage

5. No impact as store was closed (parking was used inadvertently for nearby McDs)

6. Unclear grace period

I have tried the Tesco store manager and asked for a goodwill gesture after shopping there for 20 years and while they suggested they would try to cancel, they haven't yet and my 14 days is up in two days.

I've seen the non-compliant POFA text on here, when referring to Horizon communication so plan to use a version ot that but any other advice from you knowledgeable lot will be much appreciated. I do not want to have to pay this company a penny and want the best chance to avoid having to do so. Thank you. 

Coupon-mad

Sounds good but you have 28 days to appeal not 14. Do not even consider the 'discount' bribe period as relevant!

Headache27

Coupon-mad said:

Sounds good but you have 28 days to appeal not 14. Do not even consider the 'discount' bribe period as relevant!

Thanks so much for this. Will let you know how I get on! Think i'll try Tesco one last time and then start the appeal. 

Headache27

Tesco saying no valid reason so they can't cancel it. Appeal it is...

Coupon-mad

Headache27 said:

Tesco saying no valid reason so they can't cancel it. Appeal it is...

Yep, appeal as keeper, saying the NTK is non-POFA. Get your POPLA Code.

By the way, and this is intended as constructive criticism for what sounds like a young driver: why would they drive into a closed Tesco car park in any town or city, at Midnight? They didn't need a car park.

Literally every street that doesn't have 24/7 restrictions is free at night and every single yellow line is free too. Even in London.

If collecting a Maccy Ds order you just stop on-street / round the corner at a kerb or in a bay after controlled hours. Even stopping for a few minutes on a double yellow line is perfectly legal if it's a pre-paid order (loading is exempt activity).

Never, ever seek out a car park, to stop or park a car at night (or on Sundays). The driver should take this as a lesson: use streets not private land/car parks. When driving at night or on Sundays with friends in Brighton (a city which hates car drivers) I still occasionally find myself giving them a wry smile if they try to direct me to the nearest car park when pretty much all the streets we're driving through are free...

  

Headache27

It's just something people have always done there to be honest as the store used to be 24 hr before covid and the car park used to be shared. It's on a retail park so the Tesco car park is literally alongside the McD one and it was just more convenient to park there than try to get past a queue into McD. I'm not sure how long the signs or cameras have been in the Tesco car park but I probably would have done the same in the situation as no real street parking nearby and I don't think the signage is obvious. However, as you say, lesson learnt. It won't be happening again, but at the same time I think Tesco could have shown goodwill to a customer to that store of over 20 years, as no harm was done. Just want to thank you for your advice on this thread but also the other threads I've read. You clearly put a lot of time in to it and without the advice I've read I'd probably just pay up. Appeal has gone in so we'll see what happens! The successful POPLA appeal shared yesterday for Horizon has made me hopeful!

Nellymoser

Please support/sign this petition demanding the re-launch of a Government-backed Parking Code of Practice. 🙏

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/701453

Headache27

Horizon rejected my appeal but a further petition to Tesco finally got them to waiver the fine. Still awaiting confirmation from Horizon but have it in writing so should all be fine. Thanks for the help, Coupon-mad and to the others who share advice. Very useful and appreciated!