Help with 2 parking fines from the same place.

Muzz3410

Looking for some advice on two parking charges I've received from the same car park using ANPR.

I originally appealed both tickets but the appeals were rejected. I've now had letters from Debt Recovery Plus saying I owe £170 for each charge, and that the amount could increase further to £270 or something stupid.

What frustrates me is that I've used this car park before without any issues, then suddenly received two charges within a couple of weeks. Both visits were at night when the car park was completely empty and all nearby businesses were closed. The signage is very difficult to see in the dark, and I've since revisited the site and found that some of the lamp posts near where I parked don't even work.

Do I have any realistic grounds to keep fighting this, or am I wasting my time? Has anyone successfully challenged parking charges based on poor signage and visibility?

I’ve been advised to ignore them by some people but not sure that’s a good idea either.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Le_Kirk

They aren't fines but invoices. The NEWBIE sticky advises what to do initially but one of the main points is to ignore debt collector rubbish. Do not ignore letter before/of claim nor N1SDT claim forms. Where did this occur, residential, retail or town centre car park? Is it possible that the parking is limited to when the shops are open (if it is a retail establishment)?

Muzz3410

It occurred in a business park but was completely closed, not a single business is open at that time.

I’m just concerned since it’s 2 that they will take it all the way to court or something.

Gr1pr

They may issue a Money Claim in the future

But many cases are discontinued before the hearing in your local civil court, usually because they dont want to pay the court hearing fee

You definitely don't need to be concerned, as long as you follow the advice given on here, we advise numerous people daily

Coupon-mad

"Both visits were at night when the car park was completely empty and all nearby businesses were closed."

Just a heads up, to avoid ANPR PCNs:

No regular here on this forum would use a retail or business park to park a car after 6pm. You should have parked on-street.

All cities have lots of free street parking after restricted hours, including on any single yellow line. ANPR is not allowed for Councils to enforce parking in bays or on single yellows, so you cannot get caught out as long as you read council signs.

At night and on Sundays you never have to seek out a car park, to park a car. Think "on-street, park at a kerb" every time.

"Has anyone successfully challenged parking charges based on poor signage and visibility?"

Of course! Relax. Signage is the first thing a judge considers. If cases go to court (which is rare) it's literally the most common winning point at hearings (hearings are even rarer).

"I’ve been advised to ignore them by some people but not sure that’s a good idea."

Oh it is.

Did you miss the pictures of the laughable DR Plus £170 threatograms in post 4 of the NEWBIES thread?

And which PPC is it?

Muzz3410

It’s originally from Smart Parking.

I posted it on Reddit and have several people telling me it will go to court. Very confused as what to do. You say don’t pay but don’t ignore? What shall I do then?

ChirpyChicken

Wait for the court and an easy win

Car1980

Smart Parking cases under £600 are always discontinued.

Muzz3410

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82040998#Comment_82040998

even if it’s 2 separate tickets for the same person?

Muzz3410

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82040998#Comment_82040998

I actually don’t think I have a case if it goes to court tbh.

Gr1pr

Its a long way from any court, most don't get to a hearing