Free Traffic Legal Advice

I parked in a Harrow parking lot next to a sports center today and in a rush, I checked out as a guest in the PayByPhone app and entered 1 wrong character

EX59VXP instead of EX59VZP.

I came back and I had a ticket. Thankfully I have a receipt showing it, but of course the wrong plate. Hoping to appeal, but not sure the best way to ask for this.

PCN: https://imgur.com/a/8cohHvb

Proof of parking attached.

Thank you all

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Thank you for the response. I would like to submit an appeal today. How does this sound? I did use AI to help me draft this

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Dear Harrow Council Parking Services,

I am writing to appeal Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) number XXX, issued on March 28, 2024, at the Leisure Centre Car Park. The PCN was issued due to an alleged failure to display a valid pay and display ticket or voucher or parking clock.

I acknowledge that I used the PayByPhone app to register my vehicle for parking. However, due to an oversight, I entered an incorrect character in my vehicle registration number. Instead of EX59VZP, I mistakenly entered EX59VXP.

Key Points of Appeal:
 * Honest Mistake and Proof of Payment:
   * I have attached proof of payment from the PayByPhone app, which clearly demonstrates my intention to pay for parking. This receipt confirms that I made a payment for the correct time and location.
   * The error was a simple, unintentional typographical mistake, and I acted in good faith by paying for parking.
 * Discrepancy in Contravention and Actual Requirement:
   * As highlighted in the tribunal case reference 2240380699 (Axita Vadera vs. London Borough of Harrow), the contravention stated on the PCN, "Parked in car park without clearly display," is misleading.
   * In this location, the initial three hours of parking were free, requiring validation rather than payment. The signed requirement was to activate a free parking session, not display a pay and display ticket.
   * The tribunal in the referenced case allowed the appeal because the instructions did not warn motorists that they would receive a PCN for failing to activate the free parking session. The situation is very similar in my case.
 * Ambiguity of Location Description:
   * The location description, "Leisure Centre Car Park," is vague and lacks specificity. There are numerous leisure centers within the Harrow area, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact location. This lack of clarity could contribute to driver confusion.
 * Mitigating Circumstances:
   * I was in a rush when I parked as I was late for my sports session scheduled to begin at 4PM, which contributed to the mistake.

Request for Discretion:
I respectfully request that you exercise discretion in this matter and cancel the PCN. I have provided evidence of my payment and explained the circumstances surrounding the error. I believe that issuing a penalty in this situation is disproportionate to the minor mistake made.

I have attached the following supporting documents:

 * Copy of the PCN (https://imgur.com/a/8cohHvb)
 * Proof of payment from the PayByPhone app.

I trust that you will consider my appeal fairly and reasonably. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

This needs a rejig. At this stage it's an informal challenge and you are throwing the kitchen sink.
 I'll try and look at it later. There's no rush.

Yes I did think it might be a bit much for an initial appeal. Thanks for your help

Sorry - forgot about this.

It can be tweaked as there was no payment needed for the first free 3 hours. You don't need to attach the PCN.

If they reject we may be able to make something of the adjudicated decision but it is a bit confusing. If you are going back there you could take a close up of the terms board and also see if there any ticket machines.

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Dear Harrow Council Parking Services,

I am writing to challenge Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) number XXX, issued on March 28, 2024, at the Leisure Centre Car Park.

I activated a parking session for the free 3 hours using the PayByPhone app at the time of parking. However, I made an honest mistake when entering my vehicle registration, typing ******* instead of *******. I have attached my PayByPhone receipt as proof of the session, which is for the correct location and time period.

Please note I was in the centre for xxxxx and returned to the car at about xxxxx.

This was a simple typing error, and I acted in good faith. I respectfully request that you cancel this PCN as this is a minor administrative error and there was no loss to you.

I do also note that the contravention on the PCN is for not displaying a ticket, but I'm not sure how I could comply with this by using PayByPhone as instructed by your signage.

I have attached the PayByPhone receipt.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.