CEL defence after parking in GP car park

I_like_Tea2

Hi all,

I've been a long time lurker on the forum as I've managed to successfully appeal many parking tickets - so a massive thank you to all the contributors!

Unfortunately I'm dealing with a particularly difficult ticket on behalf of my mum, who was driving my car at the time (but I am the registered keeper) and received a ticket from CEL after not keying/registering the car at the GP reception.

The ticket was originally issued on 13/02/2026 and my initial appeal was rejected on 19/03/2026. Since then, I've followed the usual recommendations and ignored the DCB letters but still tried to pursue complaints with the GP and landowner, however they have been quite obstructive and I was unable to find a direct contact.

Fast forward to 11/08/2026 and I received a Claim form from CEL. I submitted an Acknowledgment of Service on MCOL and am due to submit my defence by 13/09/2026.

I have drafted the below for paragraph 3, and would appreciate any feedback please. I have photos of the signage being high up, and the car registration screen being very easy to miss - would it also be work including this in the paragraph?

3. The Defendant appealed the Parking Charge, which was rejected by the Claimant on 19/03/2026. The vehicle was present solely for a genuine appointment at Misbourne Surgery, evidence of which was provided during the appeal. Any alleged breach appears to relate to a minor registration keying error. The vehicle was authorised to be on site for the purpose intended by the landowner, causing no loss or prejudice to either the Claimant or the surgery. The Claimant was provided with evidence of the appointment but unreasonably refused to exercise discretion and instead pursued this claim. The Defendant is the registered keeper and is under no obligation to identify the driver. The vehicle was not parked by a trespasser or unauthorised user but by a patient attending a genuine medical appointment. The Claimant seeks to profit from a purely administrative error despite the authorised nature of the parking event and despite being provided with evidence of the appointment during the appeal process. 

Many thanks in advance!

Nellymoser

From the Claim form could you post the Particulars of Claim redact VRM and any other personal details first.

GrannyKate

Assume its the surgery in Bucks which had this in recent patient newsletter

When you visit the surgery, please remember that the car park operates an Automatic
Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system. To avoid receiving a parking charge notice,
you must register your vehicle details during your visit, including when attending
appointments or meetings.

Parking charges are managed entirely by the third party car parking company and not
by the GP practice. If you receive a parking charge notice, you will need to contact the
parking company directly, as the practice is unable to assist with appeals.

Please note that our staff cannot provide letters, appointment confirmations, or any
supporting evidence for car parking appeals. The practice has no affiliation with the
parking company and no influence over the appeals process.

For payment or to submit an appeal, please visit Home | Civil Enforcement

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

On their website they use the expression 'we've introduced' but then go on to deny any accountability for the actions of the parking company. Para 3 above is somewhat misleading as the surgery cannot, of course, refuse to provide the patient with data relating to their attendances in line with DPA and GDPR. There is no obligation to tell a data controller what you require personal data for.

I_like_Tea2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82131654#Comment_82131654

[Image removed by Forum Team]

Here's the claim form - do let me know if it's do blurry!

I_like_Tea2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82131727#Comment_82131727

Yes this was unfortunately my experience when requesting evidence from the GP directly, so I ended up using screenshots of the online portal showing the my mum's appointment confirmation.

Le_Kirk

With an issue date of 11/08/26 and providing you complete(d) the AoS before or on 30/08/26 your defence deadline date is 4.00 p.m. on 14/09/26

Did you complete the AoS before 30/08/26?

I_like_Tea2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82133066#Comment_82133066

Ah thank you - yes I completed the AoS on 19/08/26

Coupon-mad

Just copy the CEL defences you find when you search the forum for the word Leagrave.

Your para 2 should say at the end, that the D was not driving.