Civil Enforcement ignore my appeals. What steps can I take?

twodogsandabone

In May 2026 my local garden centre which has always had free parking became pay/display. This was unknown to me (and many others) and by the time I received the demand for payment much more signage had gone up. I’ve spoken to the staff at the garden centre and the manager who agree they have had many complaints but can do nothing after the event. I’ve written twice to CE and have proof of postage but no response other than increasing demands for payment. What should I do?

Gr1pr

Wait for a court claim and fight it by defending it

Nellymoser

And read the NEWBIES Announcement thread if you haven't done so.

James_Poisson

This is a "Material Change" and covered by The Joint Code of Practice, they should have put clear signage additional (to the usual contract and car park signage) for a period of at least four months and not issued PCN's during that period as stated below:

3.4. Material changes – notices

Where there is any material change to any pre-existing terms and conditions that would not
be immediately apparent to a driver entering controlled land that is or has been open for
public parking, the parking operator must place additional (temporary) notices at the site
entrance for a period of not less than 4 months from the date of the change making it clear
that new terms and conditions/charges apply, such that regular visitors who might be
familiar with the old terms do not inadvertently incur parking charges.

NOTE: Examples of material changes can include introduction of parking enforcement
where none has previously applied, introduction of time-limited free parking, or reductions
in the time limit within which free parking is available. Given the need to avoid confusion
and clutter at entrances the test is whether the fact that a change has been made is clearly
signalled to drivers on entering the land and the nature of the change is clearly displayed
thereafter – it may also be necessary to install repeater notices depending on the scale of
the premises.

https://www.britishparking.co.uk/write/Documents/AOS/Sector%20Code%20Templates/sectorsingleCodeofPracticeVersion1.1130426-2.pdf

You are dealing with a bunch of chancers that are only interested in money, stick it out.

The garden centre are talking rubbish what do they mean "they do nothing after the event" how could they have done something before the event. It's their land the tail doesn't wag the dog, they should never have got in to a flower bed with scammers.

I would tell them you will find another more customer friendly place to visit!

twodogsandabone

Thank you for this. I was tempted to just now settle the fee which has risen to £140 with the threat that unless I pay within 14 days it will increase again to £170 plus costs.

To clarify the ‘after the event’ comment, it seems if I was to stay at the garden centre longer than the permitted time before charges kick in then I need to tell the staff in advance in order to avoid any penalty demand

Coupon-mad

But you'll never have to pay a penny! Stop!

Is this Dobbies? Where?

Just email a complaint to CEL - see their complaints policy - saying you'll report them to the BPA if they keep refusing to issue a POPLA Code.

Attach a pic of your proof of posting the appeal.

twodogsandabone

I already tried their complaints dept. I entered my details etc then when I hit the ‘submit’ button it wouldn’t go thru. Only option left was to write. After the second demand I wrote again with proof of postage of my first letter. I said in my letter I would be getting proof of postage again, which I did but still no response just a more threatening demand

prowla

There is no point in trying to deal reasonably with scammers whose only interest is in taking your money; just remember that context.

Their whole business model is to catch people out who transgress their disingenuously made-up "rules".

The garden centre has lied in saying "they can't do anything"; I wouldn't shop there again.

There's a process to follow to achieve a favourable outcome and the folks here will advise on the steps to take; it's pretty much certain that you are not the first person to be in this precise situation.

The only question is whether you have the determination to see it through or you want to give them the £60/£120/£170 they are demanding.

Jame4ters

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116296#Comment_82116296

Presumably that wasn’t an email but part of the website? If so then email CEL with a suitable heading eg Complaint

Also is this just a local garden centre or part of a chain? If the latter then complain to the CEO

twodogsandabone

I’d be very grateful if anyone here could please tell me what next steps I can take. Two letters sent to CE with proof of postage. Both letters ignored just further demands for payment, £60,£100,£140 with the threat that the next demand will be for £170 plus costs.

ChirpyChicken

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82116392#Comment_82116392

just email sara@britishparking.co.uk and aos@britishparking.co.uk and tell her this firm is completely ignoring you and your attempts to get a popla code

other then that dont let them worry you