We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
IMPORTANT: Please make sure your posts do not contain any personally identifiable information (both your own and that of others). When uploading images, please take care that you have redacted all personal information including number plates, reference numbers and QR codes (which may reveal vehicle information when scanned).
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
The Forum now has a brand new text editor, adding a bunch of handy features to use when creating posts. Read more in our how-to guide
Heathrow - APCOA fine
rbduk
Posts: 23 Forumite
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?
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?
0
Comments
-
Ignore them1
-
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.PRIVATE 'PCN'? DON'T PAY BUT DON'T IGNORE IT (except N.Ireland).
CLICK at the top or bottom of any page where it says:
Home»Motoring»Parking Tickets Fines & Parking - read the NEWBIES THREAD2 -
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!0 -
Just leave it, file the paperwork and evidence in a drawer, you are in ignore mode3
-
I repeat, but the advice was clear:
APCOA don't sue people.
No further appeal.
PRIVATE 'PCN'? DON'T PAY BUT DON'T IGNORE IT (except N.Ireland).
CLICK at the top or bottom of any page where it says:
Home»Motoring»Parking Tickets Fines & Parking - read the NEWBIES THREAD3 -
Thanks, will read and keep all letters from now on but ignore.1
-
This is now with Debt Recovery Plus! currrently increased to £170 and stating will go to £280 at the next stage, "if legal action is taken"
0 -
Ignore them
4 -
plan to, this is the second one I've binned, easy to see how people buckle though!
1 -
There will be no next stage it's bluff and Debt Recovery Plus tell lies.
3
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.4K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.4K Spending & Discounts
- 247.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.4K Life & Family
- 261.5K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards