Parking Charge Notice to Hirer ( from CUP enforcement )

PCNonsense

I recently received a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) in the post for a hire car my wife and I were using after her vehicle was written off. The alleged contravention took place on 15/05/2025, but the notice itself is dated 24/07/2025—likely reissued on instruction from the hire company, Enterprise.

The location in question is a spot behind a shop on the high street where I parked a few times to quickly grab food. I genuinely didn’t realise this was considered a private car park or restricted area—it just looked like a regular side road with no obvious signage.

I’ve only received one notice so far, but I was away on holiday for nearly three weeks, so it’s possible other correspondence may have been returned to sender.

Looking back, I definitely parked in that same spot multiple times, unaware that it could result in a fine.

I’ve attached a copy of the PCN letter—if anyone has experience with similar cases or can advise whether this can be contested, I’d really appreciate the guidance.

troublemaker22

Appeal as follows and then come back here for advice if your appeal is rejected. ‘You cannot hold me liable as hirer because your notice does not satisfy the statutory conditions for hirer liability.’

Umkomaas

Photos taken by a covert CCTV camera (or someone hanging out of a bedroom window with an iPhone camera!). 

PCNonsense

This situation is becoming incredibly frustrating, and I’m honestly not sure where to begin.

I’ve just received a new PCN marked as a Final Demand, referencing a different PCN number—despite never having received any prior notices for it. What’s more confusing is that this letter is clearly dated after the previous one I received claiming POPLA is no longer available.

After some digging, I’ve discovered that the alleged “car park” belongs to Cakes and Bakes, a shop I regularly purchase from. Apparently, parking is only permitted for customers. I’m fairly certain I parked there to collect cakes, but since I paid in cash, it’s difficult to prove—and to complicate matters further, I genuinely can’t recall whether it was me or my wife who went in that day ( since this happened back in May 2025 ).

I spoke with the manager at Cakes and Bakes, who said they are unlikely to scrap fines without a receipt. In an effort to understand the situation better, I returned to the location and took photos to identify any signage, CCTV, or iPhones. Based on what I saw, I can understand why I didn’t notice any indication that this was a private car park. There’s no clear boundary or signage to suggest enforcement is in place, and I’ve attached the photos I took during my little “private eye” investigation.

To add to the frustration, I contacted the hire company and was informed that they had received four PCNs from CUP Enforcement related to the courtesy. So far, I’ve only received two of these myself. The hire company has already charged me £35 for each PCN they received—£140 in total—deducted directly from my account, as per the hire agreement.

So before I’ve even had the chance to dispute or pay the PCNs, I’ve already lost £140 to admin fees alone.....

Any help here would be grately appreciated.

Coupon-mad

LOL! What a dog's dinner of a sign!

You won't pay a penny and might be able to get the £140 from the lease firm back too, if you tell your bank/card provider to refuse the payments. Depends what your hire t&cs say about private parking invoices (these are not fines).

Appeal them all as each NTH arrives, using the words already posted above for you by @troublemaker22 then win them all easily at POPLA. DO NOT IMPLY WHO WAS DRIVING.

PCNonsense

Thanks Guys! I can't believe they allow companies to run like this, I bet the guy looking up at the sign when I took the picture also got a PCN.

I’ve received PCN references for all four incidents from the hire company, but I’ve only received two NTH directly from CUP Enforcement so far in the post. Should I appeal the remaining ones without NTH, or wait until the NTHs arrive?

Coupon-mad

Wait for the NTHs in your name.

That sign! Made me laugh so much... what are the t&cs?! Can anyone make head or tail of it? Do you need a permit? Who knows?!

Castle

Just to add 0844 numbers were banned 11 years ago and there's no company registration number or name on the sign-both of which are unlawful.

Car1980

To add to the frustration, I contacted the hire company and was informed that they had received four PCNs from CUP Enforcement related to the courtesy. So far, I’ve only received two of these myself. The hire company has already charged me £35 for each PCN they received—£140 in total—deducted directly from my account, as per the hire agreement.

Post the exact wording. There was one the other day where the agreement listed everything under the sun EXCEPT private parking invoices.

PCNonsense

(viii) pay any administrative fines, fees, charges, costs, penalties, or other fines that are imposed, issued or incurred in connection with the Renter's usage of the Vehicle during the Rental Period (including usage of the Vehicle by Authorised Drivers or other third parties who are permitted by Renter to use the Vehicle), such as fines or fees for illegal parking or speeding, non-compliance with bus lane, congestion charges, tolls or violations of the rules of the highway or traffic offence or contravention in any country, in all cases, and not caused by Owner;

Complete terms and conditions on link below:

www-tac-service-prd.homecity.ehiaws.com/tac-service/location/group/U1/54/terms?date=2025-05-03&locale=en_GB

Castle

Para 5(d)(ii)-The Renter shall pay to owner

"an administration fee of up to £45 for rentals originating in the UK and up to €35 for rentals originating in Ireland for processing any fines or offences against the Vehicle, Owner, Renter, any Authorised Driver or any other person Renter permitted to use the Vehicle during the Rental Period, unless caused through Owner’s own fault";

So, just fines or offences, certainly not Parking Charges.