Here is the suggested appeal (only as the Keeper) that you should only submit if you've not heard back from PALS by the 23rd December:
Re: Parking Charge Notice [PCN Reference Number]
I am writing as the registered keeper of the vehicle to formally appeal the Parking Charge Notice issued for an alleged 3-minute overstay in the hospital drop-off and collection zone. I believe this charge is unreasonable, unjustified, and in breach of industry regulations. It should therefore be cancelled for the following reasons:
1. Exceptional Circumstances
The vehicle was used to collect a patient who had undergone day surgery under general anaesthetic. The driver was directed by the hospital to park at the drop-off and collection point directly outside the entrance. Upon arrival, the driver went to the second-floor day surgery ward to inform staff and assist the patient in their discharge process. The patient was experiencing significant difficulty walking, which required additional care and time to safely return to the vehicle.
2. Minimal Overstay
The alleged overstay is just 3 minutes, which is a de minimis breach under these circumstances. The hospital was deserted at that time of night, and the additional time taken caused no obstruction or inconvenience to other users of the drop-off area.
3. Breach of Codes of Practice Regarding Notification of Material Changes
It is understood that the "free" parking time in the drop-off zone was recently reduced from 20 minutes to 15 minutes. To my knowledge, no adequate notification of this material change was provided to users. This omission constitutes a breach of:
• BPA Code of Practice v9, Section 19.10
• Private Parking Single Code of Practice 2024, Section 3.4
Both Codes of Practice require parking operators to place additional (temporary) notices at the site entrance for a period of not less than 4 months to clearly notify motorists of material changes, such as reductions in time limits.
Failure to provide such notices has resulted in regular visitors, including the driver, being unaware of this change. The lack of clear and prominent notification fails the standard of transparency and fair communication required by the industry codes.
4. Complaint to the Hospital PALS
This Parking Charge Notice has been reported to the hospital's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) as grossly unfair, given the circumstances of collecting a vulnerable patient post-surgery and the driver having followed the instructions given by the hospital itself. I am currently awaiting a decision from PALS, who are reviewing the matter.
5. Disproportionate Charge
The charge of £100 for an alleged 3-minute overstay is grossly disproportionate and fails the principles of fairness and proportionality outlined in the relevant Codes of Practice. It does not reflect any genuine pre-estimate of loss or deterrence, especially considering the lack of any harm caused to other users.
Request for Further Information
In light of the above, I request that this Parking Charge Notice be cancelled. Should you choose to reject this appeal, I require the following:
1. A detailed explanation of how the Parking Charge is justified, particularly for the alleged overstay of 3 minutes.
2. Evidence demonstrating that the change to the free parking time was communicated in compliance with the BPA Code of Practice (v9) and the Private Parking Single Code of Practice (2024), including:
• Dates and methods of communication used to notify users of the change.
• A copy of the signage in place at the time of the alleged incident, showing the stated terms.
3. A map of the site indicating the location of all signs.
4. A POPLA verification code to enable me to escalate this matter for independent adjudication.
I trust that Parkingeye will review this appeal fairly and cancel the charge in recognition of the circumstances and regulatory breaches outlined. Failure to cancel the PCN will leave me with no option other than to raise a formal complaint with the BPA.