My Payment failed and was sent a parking charge

DrStragelove20

I parked on a car park run by Initial Parking Ltd in Salford, I attempted to pay through the app I'd previously used however the payment failed at the point where I click the button on the side of my phone, a message came up to try to reset password, I followed this and repeated the payment process that again failed, I tries to pay by the alternative method offered which was to phone in, whereupon I was instructed to enter my card details, unfortunately I didn't have so I decided to leave the car park which was small, cramped and full of large 4X4s leaving very little space for me to reverse out. I eventually left and paid to park in a car park nearby. 

I've received a PCN as I was in there for 17 minutes, I tried unsuccessfully to appeal despite providing proof of both failed payments, a record of the phone call to pay and showing a receipt for the car park next-door. The argument for turning down my appeal being:

"note that JustPark is a third-party payment provider and the parking operator cannot be held responsible if there were issues with the JustPark payment system. If the appellant wishes to make a complaint about this, they can contact JustPark. The evidence presented by the appellant does not demonstrate a fault, it simply shows they attempted to pay which I do not dispute. The appellant has reiterated their original grounds of appeal after reviewing the operator’s case file. As I have addressed these issues above, I will not comment further. After considering the evidence from both parties, the appellant failed to make a valid payment time and therefore did not comply with the terms and conditions of the site. As such, I am satisfied the parking charge has been issued correctly and I must refuse the appeal"

Any thoughts?

ChirpyChicken

yes ignore unless you move or get a letter before claim

Coupon-mad

ChirpyChicken said:

yes ignore unless you move or get a letter before claim

This is correct. You'll NEVER pay this charge. Nobody pays just because they 'lose' the farce of second stage appeal.

Read the new MSE Guide linked at the top of the page. It was fact checked by me and covers all stages now. Checked also by Martin Lewis. It is the official MSE Guide.

It says DO NOT PAY AN UNFAIR PRIVATE PCN. We agree; we do these cases daily.

And just a reminder even though this is stressful: while your case is quiet, before the end of next week please please do the government's Public Consultation.

We need every poster to come back & complete this vital Consultation before the deadline.

See this thread: -

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6617396/parking-code-of-practice-consultation-8-weeks-from-11th-july-2025/p1

We understand that you may need some pointers. It looks laborious, we get that. It doesn't matter; no knowledge is needed except re your own experiences so you can call out a scam industry and you'll protect millions of motorists and help change the law.

I've written some guidance on that thread. I have covered almost every question, providing ideas if you agree with our stance on things like DRFs, which we say must be banned.

Ordinary people like you are falling victim to this scam 15 million times per annum. Motorists need your voice added please.

I expect you have something to say about the Appeals Charter question and the one near the end about Appeals?!