Gladstones Solicitors & UK CPM: Obscured Signs and Strange Evidence

drk_ · 14 March at 11:13PM

Hi everyone,

I'm hoping for some advice and to hear about your experiences regarding a PCN issued by UK Car Park Management Ltd. (UK CPM) and handled by Gladstones Solicitors. Throughout this entire process, I've closely followed guidance from the "newbie" thread on this forum.

Quick Summary of Events

PCN issued: 12th March 2024
Incident Date/Time: 9th March 2024 at 01:17 (Weavers Quarter, Barking, Mizzen Street)
Reason for PCN: Parked on double yellow lines (private land)
My Appeal Grounds: Obscured signage (signs covered in spray paint, unclear parking restrictions).
I uploaded a YouTube video evidence clearly showing the ongoing vandalism (recorded 19th April 2024) that I also provided to CPM, IAS and Gladstone

Key Issue

UK CPM provided a photo of a clear and undamaged sign timestamped at 01:12:50.
My car was photographed at 01:06:29 and 01:11:42. This 5-6 minute discrepancy strongly suggests the sign image was taken elsewhere or at another time, possibly selectively presented.
Gladstones Solicitors ignored these points, dismissed my appeal, demanded payment by 25th March 2025, and stated no further submissions would be considered. Their latest email (sent 11th March 2025) explicitly states, "As our Client is satisfied that the Charge was issued correctly, payment is required on or before the 25th March 2025 to avoid further action. Without wishing to be discourteous, we will not accept any further submissions from you."

My Concerns

Gladstones' email seems to be their standard "final warning" tactic. Is this common practice, and do they typically follow through with court claims?
I'm confident in my evidence, but I'm also careful about potential CCJs affecting re-mortgage renewal. Am I correct in thinking that if I were to lose in court but pay promptly (within 30 days), it wouldn't impact my credit file or mortgage?

Next Steps

I'm inclined to just ignore them at this point, as I have appealed 3 times without any luck or explanation/response to my video, On another note, the signs are still like this today... 1 year later.
Have any of you successfully challenged Gladstones or UK CPM on similar grounds (especially obscured signage or selective/misleading photographic evidence)?
Any experiences, insights, or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all in advance!

Kevin