Dear all,
Apologies for the large post, but I am in a desperate situation and requesting support.
Any support would be appreciated as I am now without a job and struggling to make ends meet. All PCNs involve the Southwark Council.
Please let me know if any additional information is required.I hope to gain clarity on how to handle the situation. Subsequently, I could get further advice on how to appeal as needed.
Relevant documents are linked to belowRelevant TMO for the parking PCNsNotice for parking restrictionEvidence for the existence of a valid virtual visitor permit (PCN still issued)Email sent to council after the existence of PCN (known after a SAR)Final correspondence sent by the councilNTO and Charge certificates received through SAR
8 PCN's in total
- 5 PCNs the council has restored discounted payment for but will not accept representations despite not receiving PCN or NTO(2 of these days had valid permits).
- 3 PCNs no discount offered again(1 in OfR stage at TEC and 2 at pre - debt stage)
For the 3 PCNs to which the council has not responded
- For 1 PCN, I have evidence of a valid parking permit for the vehicle on the date.Receipts downloaded from the council website(link at the top of the post) can show the existence of valid permits.
- For the other 2 PCNs, the TMO and parking space allocation do not match.
ADVICE SOUGHTWhat should I do next, please ?
- 5 PCNs where the Council has refused to consider the circumstances? Should it be out of time to appeal to the adjudicator since it is in the predebt stage?
- For the 2 PCN in Full Stage rate, should I wait for NTO to appeal?
- For 1 PCN(at TEC), should I wait for TEC's response?
For all parking PCNs, I believe I have reasonable grounds for appeal.
For the moving traffic contravention, I believe there is a technical issue with the yellow box, and I am waiting for a request to obtain copies of the relevant orders and camera detailsHistorical ContextI was made homeless and unable to access the property where I live due to several reasons.
A friend helped me find a location to store my car at the NORTH PECKHAM ESTATE in Southwark.
The parking location was in a permit parking area, but every day, the car was assigned a 'Virtual Estate Visitor Parking Permit' and parked at various places where a space was available.On 07 May 2024, the vehicle was assigned a resident estate parking permit(valid till 07 May 2025).
This is an area where a lot of antisocial activity happens, and tampering with PCNs on cars is quite common. I have had two tyres vandalised in NP estate too.
Context - How I became aware of the PCNOn 23 May 2024, a neighbour was talking to me about my car and, in passing, mentioned how expensive it must have been to deal with all the parking tickets I was getting.
Since I had never seen any PCN on the vehicle, I raised a GDPR / SAR request with South Council on the same day.
On 31 May 2024, following a Subject Access Request, as listed below, Southwark Council returned to me with seven parking PCNs(code 85) and 1 moving traffic PCN(code 31j).
None of Southwark Council's correspondence was received as it was sent to my previous address (more on below).
Context - Why the PCN was not dealt with on timeSince I was a domestic abuse victim and I am being protected, the DVLA has put in place special procedures for me to perform transactions on my vehicle.
The DVLA requires me to work with a specially designated caseworker to perform transactions such as changing the address on my V5C.
I have been corresponding with DVLA since December 2023 and was trying to obtain the form I need to use. Evidence shows delays occurred, and
DVLA only effectively updated my address on 30 APRIL 2024.
Current situation - Southwark Council refuses to comment on evidence but insists procedure was followedOn 19 June 2024, I made representations to the council(email attached), stating that the PCN was never received.
On 28 June 2024(5 AM), South Parking sent me several emails that it was too late to appeal, and the NTO gave me 28 days to appeal.
They added that my comments and evidence were seen but insisted that the PCN was valid and that legal procedure was followed.
Questionable content was added(not sure if the wording/procedure followed by Southwark Council is correct):
However, as a goodwill gesture, we will reoffer you the chance to pay at the amount of £65.00 for a further 7 days from the date of this letter. Failure to make payment will allow the case to revert to its original charge of £195.00. The last correspondence sent to me has offered to restore the original payment of £65 for 7 days, after which it will go back to the original charge or £195.
I enclose copies of the final correspondence sent by email with the previous address still on it above.