Heathrow - APCOA fine

rbduk

So I returned to Heathrow where I had pre-paid parking to a fine stuck to my front window. 

The fine was due to me being "parked outside of a designated bay". The space I was in, was in line with a zebra crossing, however we arrived early hours, it was dark, I was tired, etc. and didn't notice. 

the problem i have is that there were no markings in the space to say it as not a parking space. the "zebra" lines just finished at the edge of the road. The space I parked in was completely unmarked. It looks like it had recently been moved as the space next to me, with a car in, had faded yellow cross hatchings. In addition, the space opposite me, also in line with the zebra crossing, had a car parked in it. 

I have appealed the fine, with pictures of the space showing no markings, and put me as the driver! Live and learn... they have of course rejected my appeal and told me to either pay the reduced £45 or appeal to POPLA. Problem is, if my appeal to POPLA is unsuccessful I have to pay the full £90. 

This isn't about the £45, this more about the principal, the space was unmarked, had a car parked directly opposite it, other than the zebra crossing there was nothing to suggest this was not a designated bay. 

Thoughts?  

Gr1pr

Ignore them 

Coupon-mad

You (sadly) have mucked up the 100% winnable appeal, so just ignore APCOA.

No further appeal. No paying. Nothing happens except laughable £170 threatogram letters because APCOA don't sue people. 

rbduk

So do not bother with POPLA? 

APCOA won't go to court? I'm pretty sure I've got a good case if they do, their own pics show what I am saying, as do the additional ones I took when i reversed my car out of the space! 

Gr1pr

Just leave it, file the paperwork and evidence in a drawer,  you are in ignore mode

Coupon-mad

I repeat, but the advice was clear:

APCOA don't sue people.

No further appeal.

rbduk

Thanks, will read and keep all letters from now on but ignore.