Charge letter after paying for parking via parking app

Squidman7

I’ve received a letter today claiming I failed to pay for the duration of stay at a car park that I paid for via an app. I paid for a 3hr duration and stayed for 2 hours, I arrived at the car park and was snapped on entering the car park approx 1min and 55 seconds before the allotted time of parking (It took me 5 mins to find a parking space and physically park after entering the car park).

The parking app company have asked me to appeal and have sent formal details of my payment etc. My concern is that the parking company will refuse the appeal due to the entry time.

Please advise.

Thanks

Car1980

Can you show us the PCN, with your personal details removed?

Squidman7

It’s from Horizon Parking, it’s a standard parking charge letter. It has pictures taken by the ANPR and details of entry and exit. I paid for parking between 13:30 and 16:30. I entered the car park at 13:28 and left at 15:27.

The parking app I used was Just Park.

Car1980

So they're accusing you of not paying to park because their ANPR thinks you weren't in the car park when payment was received?

Squidman7

No, as indicated the charge is for ‘failure to pay for the duration of stay’

I paid for the parking a few hours in advance of actually parking there.

I also entered the car park and was captured by ANPR approx one minute and fifty five seconds before the booked parking period was due to commence!

Car1980

Yes, but presumably it's messed up their internal timings and your payment hasn't been tallied with the time period, or you're down as parking for 24 hours or something daft. But that's their problem.

They'll probably refuse your appeal because they can and they make up any old reason, or no reason at all.

Might be worth it just to cover yourself. 

Squidman7

Hey it’s a parking company so let’s face it they are bound to be !!!!!!! 

As indicated, the app I used to book the parking on is different to the actual parking company, I’ve been in touch with the app people and they have said I need to appeal to the parking firm first before they can get involved, but I don’t want to enter into communication with the parking company and leave myself open to future repercussions. 

Hence seeking advice on what to do here.

I have a feeling it’s to do with entering the car park in advance of the parking period.

@Coupon-mad do you have any insights on what to do here?

TIA

h2g2

I would tend to advocate going through the appeals process. Sometimes it works. If you don't appeal I have seen the PPC's witness statement try to use the fact as an example of unreasonable behaviour. And their response to the appeal may be useful for those of us trying to lobby for change in how PPCs are regulated.

The the appeal is likely along the lines of:

• Do not under any cirmcumstances, say who was driving. Never refer to "I" (as in "I entered the car park...") but always "the driver" as in "the driver entered the car park...".
• If their letter is not compliant with the requirements for a NTK, state how they fail to meet the requirements and therefore cannot hold you, the registered keeper, liable for the charge. Only the driver, who you will not name.
• In any case, the entry time is less than two minutes before the start of the parking period. Based on your knowledge of the car park, it likely took longer than two minutes to find a space and park. Ask for strict proof that the car was, in fact, parked before the start of the parking period.

If they refuse the appeal (and they are likely to), escalate it to the next step, (who are also likely to refuse it), and share their responses here.

Squidman7

@h2g2 perfect thanks 🙏🏼💚

Squidman7

@h2g2 actually thinking about it, I think they have missed the cut off time as parking took place on 8th May (says letter issue date is 19th May) but I only received it today (27th May)?

I smell bullsh!t

Castle

Please post up a copy of the back of the NTK.

(I don't think we have ever seen a PCN for £48 on this forum before; seems more like a tariff).