APCOA Data Protection

Asimovs_nightfall

After informing both APCOA and Trace about my address, APCOA have contacted me with the following message (see below).

There seem to be two things. First, seeking a record of the PCN and second confirmation of address through some form of proof.

I am loathe to do either, but would appreciate some advice if possible.

What advantage is it to provide them with the PCN reference (from the Trace letter) and how might they use this and also, why should I send proof of my address. I've told them what it is. Why would they need further proof.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks

______

Good morning,
 
Thank you for your email to the Data Protection Office at APCOA Parking (UK).
 
If you have received a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) or Penalty Notice from APCOA, please provide the PCN reference number or the vehicle registration number so that we can locate the relevant record.
 
To process your request for data rectification, we will also require proof of your current address. This will enable us to verify and update our records where appropriate.
 
If you have not received a PCN or Penalty Notice, please note that APCOA does not hold customer details independently to issues a PCN. In such cases, registered keeper details are obtained from the DVLA only where there is reasonable cause to do so in relation to a Parking Charge Notice or Penalty Notice.
 
Once we have received the requested information, we will be able to review your request further.
 
Kind regards…

ChirpyChicken

why on earth would you bother contacting APCOA without giving them any details

the mind boggles- they are not mind readers and yes proof is needed by them

but your wasting your time, if the case is with trace just update it on the trace portal

https://portal.thetracegroup.co.uk/Login?errorCode=1

you do not need to inform APCOA and you dont need proof when using the portal

Asimovs_nightfall

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82077727#Comment_82077727

For clarity, I contacted and gave APCOA DPO my updated address via email, hence they could contact me and ask for proof. I was asking why they needed anything further, indeed for the reasons you indicated. I've updated Trace too, just as the Newbies thread suggests. Thanks for confirmation however. Appreciated as always.

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82077890#Comment_82077890

No paying it or panicking we hope?

Nobody has to pay these invoices all the time that the sector remains an unregulated 'Wild West' of consumer unfairness and protection racket greed.

Asimovs_nightfall

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82079892#Comment_82079892

Today "Final notice before legal referral" - so on it goes.

Thanks for advice as always.

Coupon-mad

Did you ever get the PCN in the first place or did that go to an old address?

Interesting discussion on this similar thread about dobbing in APCOA to the CMA for not doing an early 'soft trace' and reissuing a PCN at the original rate:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6677426/apcoa-train-station-multiple-fines-no-correspondence-straight-to-solicitors

Asimovs_nightfall

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82082143#Comment_82082143

The PCN never arrived because I assume, I'd moved house. So, consistent with many others on these pages I just received a letter from Trace (and numerous other threatening letters/emails thereon after contacting their respective DPO).

Do you believe that an email complaint to APCOA to request a re-issue of the tickets to the correct address would be worthwhile as a precursor to contacting the CMA along the lines of the @jimmywiggle APCOA-train station thread?

Coupon-mad

Yes I do. 🙂

jimmywiggle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82083184#Comment_82083184

If it helps, I've now had a response as of today (almost 2 months after my first letter)

They've confirmed they won't reissue the tickets, that they only use DVLA so no trace and won't close the cases with ZZPS, so onto the next step of contacting CMA.

If you do the same, I'd advise playing naive (without admitting) to APCOA and don't mention the contraventions they make, in case they suddenly decide to now start playing by the rules.

Coupon-mad

Definitely send that APCOA refusal to reissue the PCNs to the CMA this week.

And say that this refusal emanates from and is facilitated by the BPA and IPC trade bodies' collusion. In their 2024 Joint Code, there were 30 disingenuous Code of Practice clause changes made by the BPA and IPC to the 2022 DLUHC Code. One of which has been re-written in their self-serving Code to blame consumers who moved house for the very common problem of old addresses being held by the DVLA. This currently lets operators wriggle out of reissuing PCNs that they know were never served and where the keeper never had an opportunity to appeal.

It is no excuse to say "we don't do traces, our agent does" because under KADOE rules, the parking operator remains the data controller at all times. Tell the CMA that as they are still learning about the scammery of this sector.

Please show us APCOA's reply (a screenshot, not copy & paste please). It's good evidence of rogue conduct.

I bet @Asimovs_nightfall gets the same.