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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think I might not have to pay this parking fine?

41 replies

Trapordo · 14/04/2020 07:35

Obviously I'm going to get flamed.

Basically, a few weeks back I was driving to my appointment with DC in the back of the car. I heard him choking (didn't know what on) and sadly knew the familiar sound of a choking baby, I had dislodged a sweet from my niece when she was little Sad

I panicked and parked up, in the closest bay I could. Then I swung DC out of the seat and saw it was some sort of toy he'd had that had broken off and was down his throat. I panicked, tried to dislodge twice and ran, with him in my arms to the department ready to shout for help. Just as we got through the doors it went flying into the floor. DC was a bit shaken but fine after a minute, and to add to the drama id got the wrong bloody date and the appointment was for the following week.

Anyway, all this went by within the space of 5/10 minutes. The bay I parked in was a disabled one but I didn't get a ticket.

Low and behold, last week I receieved a letter in the post to say I hadn't paid the fine, and that have pictures of my car parked there in the picture.

Is there any way I can dispute this due to an emergency? Any way at all?

Thank you Flowers

OP posts:
jacks11 · 14/04/2020 07:39

You could appeal it, stating what you’ve said here. I think they often require evidence, but might waive it on this occasion. I suppose the reason they often ask for evidence is anyone can make up a sob story (not accusing you of this OP) to get out of paying the fine- I’m sure many do.

You’ve got nothing to lose by trying to appeal.

Lllot5 · 14/04/2020 07:40

Just try it.

Original poster
Trapordo · 14/04/2020 07:42

Thanks. I will try to appeal then x

OP posts:
underthepatio · 14/04/2020 07:49

By all means try appealing the fine. But having worked for a local authority, I can tell you that they get appeals like this every day and the vast majority are made up. In fact you would be amazed at how many children developed an emergency when their parents were driving past Mcdonalds meaning their parents had to park in the disabled bay outside.

Original poster
Trapordo · 14/04/2020 07:54

under I can imagine. I'm sure it isn't that relevant but the fine is from a private company

OP posts:
ilovemydogandMrObama · 14/04/2020 08:02

Private parking companies usually will have CCTV, but whether it's still available may depend on the date, and the locations of the cameras themselves and whether they can be bothered to look at it for a disputed fine.

It's worth asking, but ensure that any investigation doesn't adversely affect a discount if paid within 30 days or whatever.

Divebar · 14/04/2020 08:08

What kind of car park was it and who issued the ticket?. Was it a council ticket or private? I’ve appealed 2 tickets with the local authority and have had them overturned ( although I had bought a ticket on both occasions ). My DH and I also have a ticket overturned because the signage was so confusing that it was impossible for mere mortals to determine when it was ok to park. ( they didn’t remove the sign though). That one went all the way to the final appeal stage. My colleague tried and failed to get a ticket overturned on the basis that it was the anniversary of her mother’s death and she was in church lighting a candle. Confused. If it’s the council it’s definitely worth appealing. Being over emotional and dramatic isn’t going to have any effect though . You need to state the facts of the incident with times and the name or names of the person who can verify what happened preferably with contact details. I would also emphasise the fact that a ticket was not issued to you since they have probably breached their own procedures. The photo they have of your car should have the ticket shown having being issued on the windscreen.... those things are incredibly sticky usually. If it’s a private car park then I’m not sure of the rules although it’s worth looking at Money Saving Expert because he’s written about parking tickets before.

StrangerDays · 14/04/2020 08:09

I'll be honest, if I read that as part of an appeal, I'd think it was totally made up.

Can you prove it at all?

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 14/04/2020 08:12

If I had any timed dated texts about what had happened, I’d send those in. They may well think your account is far fetched.

PrivateD00r · 14/04/2020 08:13

Worth a try. Glad your little one is ok Flowers

happinessischocolate · 14/04/2020 08:13

If you're on Facebook search for the group "fight your private parking invoice" they have people on there who will appeal for you.

Original poster
Trapordo · 14/04/2020 08:22

The company is private and called Apcoa.

I don't think I have any messages dating back then. I would have called DH about it. But I'm sure I mentioned it to my GP at a completely unrelated appointment for him. He may have noted it down

OP posts:
RedHelenB · 14/04/2020 08:26

I doubt your gp would have noted it down. Personally I'd be that relieved my child was ok that is have paid the fine, its just one of those things

Original poster
Trapordo · 14/04/2020 08:30

Can you definitely not win an appeal without evidence?

OP posts:
ThePrettyOneX · 14/04/2020 08:30

You dont have to pay private parking fine! I never do and thered nothing they can do about it. Council COULD take youbto court but not private parkings. Besides there is always 10min grace period so you can use this.. www.citizensadvice.org.uk/law-and-courts/parking-tickets/appealing-parking-tickets/when-to-appeal-a-parking-ticket/

Hingeandbracket · 14/04/2020 08:31

I panicked, tried to dislodge twice and ran, with him in my arms to the department ready to shout for help

What department?

Incrediblytired · 14/04/2020 08:32

Definitely appeal. I’m glad your little one is ok x

Hingeandbracket · 14/04/2020 08:32

You dont have to pay private parking fine! I never do and thered[sic] nothing they can do about it. Council COULD take youbto[sic] court but not private parkings.
^This is totally incorrect and out of date advice.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 14/04/2020 08:33

Go onto MSE forum. The motoring bit has a whole section on how to appeal parking fines.

Northernsoullover · 14/04/2020 08:34

How come my private parking fine ended up in court then?@ThePrettyOneX ? It was following advice like yours that landed me in hot water. I should have done my own research.
Anyway my advice to anyone with a parking ticket now is just pay the bloody thing. Quickly.

Aloe6 · 14/04/2020 08:34

You could appeal but without evidence I doubt you’ll succeed. It might be less stressful to just pay the fine now and forget about it.

Theduchessstill · 14/04/2020 08:35

Go to money saving expert parking fine forum. They are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. It all depends on what company it is and all sorts of legal stuff like whether they own the land (not as obvious a matter as you may think), was there a grace period, what procedures have they followed in issuing the PCN etc.

Definitely worth appealing but you need advice from people who know what they're talking about.

SoupDragon · 14/04/2020 08:36

Besides there is always 10min grace period so you can use this

She didn't over stay a ticket, she was parked in a disabled bay with no blue badge.

EinsteinsArousedSausagesHCB · 14/04/2020 08:40

www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/private-parking-tickets/

OP, I got a private parking ticket overturned with the help of the information here. They also have a thread in their forum with a huge amount of information and a letter template.

Theduchessstill · 14/04/2020 08:41

It's terrible outdated advice to say ignore it but equally as bad, imo, to say just pay it. These companies are absolute piss-taking money-grabbers and rely on people just paying up to carry on making money for nothing.

However, you do have to be prepared to put some time into appealing properly - even with advice it can end up being quite time consuming depending on how far down the process you have to go.

Go to the forum on MSE.