Fine from illegal car park

metal_miss

There is a car park run by Bank Park in my city where I recently got a parking charge notice.

The car park was in the local news a couple of months ago as the council had ordered them to shut down due to there being no planning permission to use the site as a car park. I parked there a few weeks after reading the article. Their payment machines were switched off, no signs saying why.
The main car park sign did have alternative options to pay (by phone or app).

Having just read the article and now finding the machines off, I assumed they had shut down operations and I did not try the alternative payment methods. There were other cars still parked there so I left mine for half an hour too.

I now of course have a Parking Charge Notice. I explained the above in my appeal but ths has been rejected. Next steps according to Bank Park are pay it, appeal with IAS or get sent to debt collectors.

I've read in the sticky thread that IAS appeals aren't worth it. What would you suggest my next steps are? Is my explanation of "I genuinely thought it wasn't being operated" going to stand up or am I out of luck? Thanks!

ChirpyChicken

Yes its one in Sheffield
do nothing for now, await a claim from DCB Legal, inform Bank Park if you move address

Coupon-mad

I dunno, let's see what the joke Adjudicators at the IAS say about an illegal car park.  Give it a whirl with your evidence.

Eyes wide open though. It won't work unless Bank Park throw in the towel (in 20% of IAS cases that happens so it is worth a go for that reason alone).

I have a thread for 2025 IAS Decisions and I know they'll reject it but this will be good evidence of the IAS not being fit for purpose.