ECP NTK Conflicting Payment deadlines

Leftynotreety

Hi,

Would appreciate a quick steer. I’ve had a NTK from ECP which does I believe contain the correct POFA wording. My initial appeal using the sticky template was refused and I’m at the POPLA stage.
Looking at the NTK there seems to to be a discrepancy between the 28 day payment deadline given in the opening paragraph, and that suggested in the POFA paragraph on page 2.
The NTK states ‘payment to be made within 28 days of date issued: by 9/4/26. The rear states ‘if after 28 days beginning with the day after that on which the notice is given the PCN has not been paid in full we may pursue you for any Parking Charge that remains unpaid’. This would be by13/14/26.

ChatGPT is suggesting the NTK is non-compliant as the it fails to clearly and unambiguously communicate the correct 28 day period - given the first deadline is 4 days earlier than the POFA compliant deadline on the reverse.
I haven’t declared who was driving. Is this correct and wil POPLA likely accept the appeal in this basis?

Coupon-mad

In terms of private parking law, Chat GPT is a bit rubbish and whilst I see the point, I doubt POPLA will accept that.

But you can try it, if the often easy fix of Plan A (landowner complaint) has been exhausted first, of course.

Nothing to lose if you end up trying POPLA because you'll never have to pay it. Also of course add the standard other points about no landowner authority and unclear signs.

Leftynotreety

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81985171#Comment_81985171

Never have to pay because they aren’t very litigious with single PCNs?thanks

Coupon-mad

Nope, because they are litigious but it's all about scaring people into paying and they're not looking for people who defend!

The point you've missed is that they use DCB Legal who ALWAYS discontinue small claims, which is their MO.

They don't like defended claims.

This will be the 'end game' in about a year, if the landowner or POPLA won't cancel it.

Dead easy. Defending a DCB Legal court claim is copy & paste stuff and far simpler even than the POPLA process!

Read some DCB Legal Euro Car Parks threads. We have thousands! You seem to have missed what ECP do.

The only caveat is: don't move house thinking it's gone away if it hasn't. You'll never have to pay but must keep your postal address updated of course and check every letter.

Leftynotreety

Very helpful as always thanks.