POPLA - Apcoa - Slough Station

System

This discussion was created from comments split from: MSE Parking Ticket Appeals Guide feedback.

discountdudette

Hi all,

I'm looking for some advice following an unsuccessful POPLA appeal against an APCOA Parking Charge Notice issued at Slough Station.

Timeline:

• Parked at Slough Station on 19 April 2026.
• Attempted to pay for parking using the APCOA Connect app (there are no payment machines at the station).
• Believed payment had gone through as I received no error message or notification of any problem.
• Received a PCN approximately two weeks later stating no valid payment had been made.
• Contacted my bank, which confirmed that a payment request for £6.90 was received and authorised on the day in question. The bank provided an approval/authorisation code.
• Appealed to APCOA and then to POPLA.
• POPLA rejected the appeal.

Key point:

POPLA acknowledged that I attempted to pay but stated that it was my responsibility to ensure payment was successfully completed and confirmed.

My argument is that:

• I used the only payment method available.
• The payment request reached my bank and was authorised.
• I had successfully used the APCOA app many times before.
• I received no indication that payment had failed.
• I only became aware of any issue when the PCN arrived.

I have:

• The bank's confirmation of authorisation.
• The authorisation code.
• The POPLA decision.

I am currently preparing a formal complaint to APCOA.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone seen similar cases where a bank-authorised payment failed within the parking operator's system?
2. Does this sound like a case worth continuing to challenge if APCOA refuse my complaint?
3. If APCOA were to issue a county court claim, would this be considered a reasonable defence?

Any advice appreciated.

Umkomaas

Could you please start a new, individual thread of your own, where you will receive personal, bespoke advice. Thank you.

MSE_ForumTeam5

Hi @discountdudette we've split your question into a thread of its own for clarity

Coupon-mad

questions are:

1. Has anyone seen similar cases where a bank-authorised payment failed within the parking operator's system?

Yep we've seen this, where the merchant (parking firm) didn't take the money offered & authorised and just let it lapse

1. Does this sound like a case worth continuing to challenge if APCOA refuse my complaint?

Absolutely - but just ignore them.

1. If APCOA were to issue a county court claim, would this be considered a reasonable defence?

Yes, no judge would allow such a claim due to your evidence so keep it safe, just in case. but you'd be the first! APCOA have never sued anyone.

However there are 6 years to bring Moneyclaims in E&W, so just in case, open every letter and tell them if you move.