Parking ticket

[username82]

After parking and paying at the machine. One of those put your number plate in ones I went to put in the first letter of my number plate but the screen remained blank then I put it in again and stilled nothing, after a 3rd attempt thinking it wasn't working I got a ticket showing the first letter of my number plate 3 times, still a blank screen but it had taken my money and given me a ticket so I put it in the windscreen and kept it in case of dispute as proof of purchase.

I then received a PCN and wrote to them explaining and sent them the ticket as proof and thought that would be the end of it but no they have written back saying they have refused my appeal.

So even though they know I have paid and have seen proof of this they still want to fine me just because they technically can, I wouldn't mind paying a fine if I'd broken the law but they know that's not the case and a fine to me is a punishment for doing something bad.

They have threatened court action if I don't pay up but I'm thinking if we really live in a world where a company can legally fine a law abiding citizen over a technicality and get away with it then I need to hear this from a judge.

It's not the council it's a private company, I just feel that they know they can get away with this and because they can they do.
I know the easiest thing to do is to pay it and move in but isn't that what they're banking on?

The original letter said the price would double if I tried to appeal and lost which feels like blackmail but I did lose so it has doubled.

Do I stand any chance or am I just going to end up paying more for trying to get anyone to see reason?

I know hindsight is a wonderful thing, but usually there are signs with contact numbers to call if you have issues using the car park? I’ve had issues with a ticket machine in the past, made a quick call to the number, gave them my reg, and that was that. I’m sorry this doesn’t help with your current situation, but it might help in the future.

If you received the fine whilst displaying a ticket that covered the time you were there, the only issue being the registration number was wrong, I think they’re being harsh. I guess the amount due would determine whether I’d go through the court process or if it were easier and less stressful just to deal with it and move on.

I think of you show a vourt you paid and sent the company the proof you paid amd it was their machinerys fault in the first place then they have no leg to stand on in court.

Under the parking operator code of conduct, they shouldn’t fine you fit a genuine small mistake on the registration number.
i can’t remember though if the operator scheme is mandatory or not though for the companies to sign up to. I think it might be in Scotland and NI, but not England.

I got one recently where I’d paid online through RingGo - then had to add extra time on later
I didn’t realise when I added the extra time that it had defaulted to a different reg number (DD car) grrrrrrr

Is there a further appeal you can make on the letter? There is usually an independent body that you can go to next.

Did you appeal to POPLA or directly to the parking company? I'd put the appeal through POPLA if you haven't already, I've used them and got my fine cancelled (overstaying in a car park when I'd followed the instructions to overstay which was entering a reg number in an iPad which obviously didn't work!).

I had similar took it to the ombudsman who found in my favour, so recommend that course of action.

I appealed to the car parking company who issued the fine and sent them the ticket, I should have appealed throug POPLA but I thought they would see I had paid and that would be the end of it.

You should still be able to go to POPLA. They are independent and review your case. I understood they are looking at making new legislation in parliament to regulate parking companies. It seems so unfair they do as they please.

OP, I think you have to appeal to the private company first so you did the right thing.

The back of the letter should have details for appealing to POPLA, which you should absolutely do.

If POPLA reject the appeal, then let them take you to court. (They eon’t because you have proof).

I've just paid it and done with now, if I lost in court it will cost hundreds in fees.
I wont pretend I don't feel bitter but I will just park somewhere else from now on.

I don't think Popla is independent. I think it's funded by the parking companies, but happy to be proven wrong.

It's a good business model though. Have a machine that won't accept correct registration numbers, then fine people for not inputting correct registration numbers. Robbing bastards.

You could always ask one at the Pepipoo website (just don't register with a Hotmail address)

Ask over at Pepipoo not ask one.....

@username82

Just saw your message about paying. Don't give in so easily.

Register at Pepipoo and ask the question, they have members on there who have been fighting these parking bastards for years and they will advise best steps. They have templates etc for appealing invoices (they are not fines as only Police and Local councils can fine you) and may have an idea how to get your money back.

Nothing to lose.