Paying for Parking In Arrears Before Leaving Site

ScroogeMcSquintSphincter

Hi, Money Saving Experts!
I recently received a PCN for "05A - Paid for insufficient time (ANPR)."
Admittedly, I overstayed by an hour but didn't know that I'd be longer than planned due to events outside of my control.

Anyway, the thought did cross my mind that I might get away with paying the difference before leaving the site but; (as you can tell from the name) I didn't want to part with another hard-earned fistful of Her late Majesty's mintage. In hindsight, I could have gambled and saved myself £57.60. (Yes, it was £2.40/hour!!!)

So the question is; could I be confident in not receiving a PCN if I paid for the sufficient time before leaving the site but not in advance of the entire period?

On a side note, it's also really annoying when you're given 14 days since the issue of the notice, but the letter takes 7 days to reach your door - what if you're on holiday somewhere? When I went to pay, the website was down. Could I get through on the phone during work hours? You guess.

GrumpyDil

Knowing how the parking companies operate I'd guess no way to have avoided the PCN. That said, hopefully you haven't actually paid?

Coupon-mad

Username of the month! 

So the question is; could I be confident in not receiving a PCN if I paid for the sufficient time before leaving the site but not in advance of the entire period?

Yes - you could be confident - because the rules changed in February. The 5, or 10 (or any) 'minute rule' is banned. As long as you paid in full before the car left the car park, there can't be a PCN now.

See all the newspaper articles about this change.

Either way, I really hope you HAVEN'T paid a private parking charge? Nonono!