Seeking advice on PCN issued at Norwich Riverside Carpark

betj

Hi newbie here and wish I'd read all the information here before appealing to Nexus, as have unfortunately already disclosed I was driver.

I've been sent a PCN for overstaying the 3 hour limit from Group Nexus when I was parked at Norwich Riverside Carpark on 15/6/25.

Basically, I parked there in order to go on a boating trip with my nephew and his 11 yr old son. Whilst out on the kayak we were involved in a very freak accident when swans flew straight at us, causing us to capsize. I had to life save my great nephew to the side of the river, which was obviously all very traumatic. Luckily none of us were injured but I lost my handbag in the accident which contained my phone, purse, insulin pens (I'm Type 1 diabetic) and my car key, meaning I could not leave the car park but needed to access the car for my blood sugar meter as my phone had been lost meaning I was unable to receive information from my sensor..

I don't live in Norwich and had a long journey ahead and had to arrange for the breakdown service to send a locksmith to attend to cut a new key and reprogramme the car, which took many hours resulting in a lengthy delay, overstaying by 5hrs 44 mins in total.

I appealed to Nexus under mitigating circumstances explaining the above and provided evidence of accident report and attendance of locksmith, but they have refused the appeal, on the following grounds and advised appeal to POPLA:

"The Charge was issued and the signage is displayed in compliance with The Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice and all relevant laws and regulations. 

Please note that this parking area is intended only for customers of the shops on these premises and not for the use of the surrounding area. Anyone using these parking facilities while spending part of their stay elsewhere does so at the risk of incurring a Charge.

We confirm the Charge was issued under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. As such, we are holding the registered keeper of the vehicle liable.

In light of this, on this occasion, your representations have been carefully considered and rejected."


Having read a lot of posts on these threads I think I'm unlikely to win an appeal to POPLA  but also didn't try the Plan A route as I hadn't read the advice given. Apologies. 

I would appreciate any advice on my best course of action now. As I wasn't using any of the shops and therefore wasn't a "customer" I can't approach any of them directly and I don't think the owners of the boat company will assist.

If there are any members local to Norwich on the forum that have had issues at this carpark please could you confirm whether Savills are the correct company to appeal to as owners?

Also wondered if anyone had success in appealing to Savills or the owners of Norwich Riverside car park?

Or should I just take it to local press or MP and see what happens?

Thanks very much

Coupon-mad

Savills are very good at cancelling PCNs, usually. Worth a try.

betj

Thanks very much Coupon-mad.
I've now spoken to someone in the car parking management team at Savills head office and at his request sent on all the necessary documentation for their consideration, so fingers crossed and I'll update when I hear anything.

Car1980

Your Popla appeal probably failed because they can't / won't rule on mitigation. If you'd argued in a legal contract law sense - the contract was frustrated - you should have had success.