Free Traffic Legal Advice

Live cases legal advice => Private parking tickets => Topic started by: Stan87 on May 18, 2025, 01:00:07 pm

Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: DWMB2 on September 10, 2025, 10:45:25 am
Correct - it's a Letter of Claim you're waiting for. It should be clearly marked as such.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on September 10, 2025, 10:39:07 am
Latest is that I have a letter from DCBL and final reminder. Can you confirm I'm just ignoring these? Thanks
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on July 10, 2025, 04:42:21 pm
You should keep the and frame it. If ever there was evidence of the corruption of the IAS, here you have it on clear display. Totally ignored the fact that there is no Keeper liability and that the signs are not "terms & conditions" but prohibitory.

Never mind. Not unexpected. This will never see the inside of a courtroom. For now all you can do is ignore all the useless debt recovery letters that are going to come your way. Debt collectors are powerless to do anything except to try and persuade the low-hanging fruit on the gullible tree to pay up out of ignorance and fear.

When you eventually receive a Letter of Claim (LoC), come back and we will advise on how to deal with it.

In the meantime, I would suggest you email your MP and tell them about this scam and solicit their assistance in getting this scourge dealt with.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on July 10, 2025, 02:38:59 pm
The Independent Appeals Service (IAS) has received a decision from the Independent Adjudicator regarding your recent appeal for the below PCN.

Parking Charge Number (PCN): VCS23023633
Vehicle Registration: HG65VMX
Date Issued: 08/05/2025

Appeal Outcome: Dismissed

The Adjudicators comments are as follows:

"It is important that the Appellant understands that the adjudicator is not in a position to give his legal advice. The adjudicator's role is to look at whether the parking charge has a basis in law and was properly issued in the circumstances of each particular case. The adjudicator's decision is not legally binding on the Appellant (it is intended to be a guide) and they are free to obtain independent legal advice if they so wish. However, the adjudicator is legally qualified (a barrister or solicitor) and decides the appeal according to their understanding of the law and legal principles.

The terms of this appeal are that I am only allowed to consider the charge being appealed and not the circumstances of other drivers or other parking events. The guidance to this appeal also makes it clear that I am bound by the law of contract and can only consider legal challenges not mistakes or extenuating circumstances. I am satisfied that the Operator's signage, which was on display throughout the site and seemingly visible in the vicinity of the vehicle, makes it sufficiently clear that the terms and conditions are in force at all times and that a PCN will be issued to drivers who fail to comply with the terms and conditions, regardless of a driver's reasons for being on site or any mitigating factors. While noting their comments, it is clear from the evidence provided to this appeal that the Appellant did indeed stop otherwise than in accordance with the displayed terms as alleged by the Operator. I am satisfied on the evidence provided that the Operator has the authority to issue and enforce PCNs at this site. I am further satisfied as to the location of the contravention, that the correct vehicle has been identified stopped at the time suggested in the images provided and that in the circumstances the correct Appellant is pursued. I have considered the correspondence sent to the Appellant I am satisfied that the Parking Charge Notice was correctly served and that the correspondence complies with current guidelines.

I am satisfied that the Operator has proven their prima facie case. Whilst having some sympathy with the Appellant's circumstances, once liability has been established, only the Operator has the discretion to vary or cancel the parking charge based on mitigating circumstances. Accordingly this appeal is dismissed.
"

As your appeal has been dismissed, the Independent Adjudicator has found, upon the evidence provided, that the parking charge was lawfully incurred.

As this appeal has not been resolved in your favour, the IAS is unable to intervene further in this matter.

You should contact the operator within 28 days to make payment of the charge.

Should you continue to contest the charge then you should consider obtaining independent legal advice.

Yours Sincerely,
The Independent Appeals Service
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on July 06, 2025, 07:23:36 pm
If the DVLA continues to supply data to an operator that repeatedly misrepresents PoFA liability on non-relevant land like Liverpool John Lennon Airport, then the DVLA is failing in its duty as a data controller to ensure lawful and proportionate processing. So if the DVLA claims it has no responsibility once the data is handed over — that’s not true. It may not be liable for the operator’s actions per se, but it is accountable for ensuring that its disclosures are not enabling unlawful processing.

With all due respect, I must respectfully disagree with several of HC Andersens assertions, which appear to conflate distinct legal and contractual frameworks. You suggest that my concern reflects a “fundamental misunderstanding,” yet ironically, your reply mischaracterises the core issue I raised. I have never disputed that the DVLA may release keeper data under Regulation 27(1)(e) of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2002 where a parking operator has “reasonable cause”.

My complaint is not about the initial disclosure — it is about the subsequent unlawful use of that data in breach of:

• The KADOE contract (to which the DVLA is a party),
• The Private Parking Code of Practice (PPSCoP), and
• UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

The attempt to reframe this as a question of whether the DVLA must “test” every request is a straw man. The issue is not about pre-emptive scrutiny, but about the DVLA’s ongoing responsibility as a data controller to ensure that data it discloses is not misused — especially when misuse is systemic and foreseeable.

The assertion that “whether land is relevant land or not is not a DVLA matter” is incorrect in the context of the KADOE contract and the PPSCoP. The KADOE contract explicitly requires that data be used only for the purpose for which it was requested — i.e. pursuing a parking charge in accordance with the applicable Code of Practice. The PPSCoP (Section 8.1.1(d)) prohibits operators from stating that the keeper is liable under PoFA where PoFA does not apply — such as on non-relevant land like Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Misrepresenting PoFA liability in an NtK is not a mere technicality — it is a material misstatement of legal authority and a breach of both the Code and the KADOE contract. If the DVLA continues to supply data to operators who routinely issue PoFA-based NtKs on non-relevant land, it is not only enabling unlawful processing but also failing in its duty as a data controller to prevent foreseeable misuse.

Whilst you correctly note that the parking operator becomes a de jure data controller upon receipt of the data, this does not absolve the DVLA of responsibility. Under UK GDPR:

• The DVLA remains accountable for the lawful disclosure of personal data and must take reasonable steps to prevent misuse.
• Repeated or systemic breaches by recipients of DVLA data indicate a failure of oversight, rendering the DVLA complicit in unlawful processing.

This is not theoretical. The ICO has previously held that data controllers who disclose personal data without ensuring appropriate safeguards may be in breach of the accountability principle under Article 5(2) UK GDPR.

You concede that misrepresenting lawful authority in an NtK may be an “arguable breach of GDPR”. On that, we agree. But that breach does not occur in a vacuum. If the DVLA knowingly facilitates such misuse — or turns a blind eye to it — then it too is in breach of its obligations under both the KADOE contract and data protection law.

This is not about whether the DVLA should “test” every request. It is about whether it should continue to enable operators who demonstrably and repeatedly misuse personal data in a way that is unlawful, misleading, and contractually prohibited.

If you’d like to continue this discussion, I’d welcome a response grounded in the actual terms of the KADOE contract and the PPSCoP — rather than speculation and personal opinion.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: H C Andersen on July 06, 2025, 07:12:26 pm
We have a difference of opinion.

At the moment that the keeper's info is requested, I think we can agree that 'reasonable cause' exists because this relates to the driver's liability and it is not contingent upon whether the land is 'relevant'. 

A NTK is issued offering the keeper the options of:
Paying;
Passing to the driver; or
Appealing.

All perfectly fine.

IMO, if the data is then misused by its controller then it's an ICO matter on a case by case basis.

Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: DWMB2 on July 06, 2025, 05:17:00 pm
Approved operators agree to a contract that governs their use of the KADOE service and associated automated access to keeper data.

One of the terms of that contract is that the operator must at all times comply with the relevant ATA Code of Practice, and relevant laws, when accessing and subsequently using personal data acquired from DVLA.

If a motorist brings to DVLA's attention an example of an operator beaching that KADOE contract, I'd take the view that it absolutely is a DVLA matter.

It may also be a matter for the relevant ATA, the ICO and/or court, but these things need not be mutually exclusive.

Quote
(DVLA's response might carry the hallmarks of a standard response, perhaps they've responded so often that cut and paste is easier. Typos are likely to occur, as here.)
Perhaps, but when you receive a response to an escalated complaint, and the person responding hasn't even checked to make sure they've mentioned the correct parking firm, it doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: H C Andersen on July 06, 2025, 04:58:35 pm
With respect, IMO there is a fundamental misunderstanding here.

The trigger for DVLA to release keeper details is a request from an approved operator of an ATA citing 'reasonable cause'. It is NOT whether the person could then use this to pursue the keeper under the keeper liability provisions of PoFA. This is a totally separate matter which falls under the ATA's and the court's remit.

Misrepresentation of my complaint: Your Step 2 response repeatedly refers to “reasonable cause” under Regulation 27, despite my explicit clarification that my complaint was not about the initial data release, but about the subsequent unlawful use of that data in breach of the KADOE contract and data protection law.

The driver is liable (if such liability exists) and therefore 'reasonable cause' applies irrespective of whether land is 'relevant land' or not and an approved operator may request the keeper's details for the purpose of notifying the keeper of the driver's liability and, if they wish, even inviting the keeper to pay. What they may not do in any notice to the keeper IMO is to claim that this right to enforce against the keeper exists in law, irrespective of whether the operator intends to exercise this right or not. IMO, it's not DVLA's burden to test the use of data i.e. may the keeper be held liable or not, every time they get a request.

IMO, whether land is relevant land or not is not a DVLA matter neither is the manner in which it is used subsequently to recover a parking charge. However, as DVLA state, its subsequent use by the now de jure data controller, the operator, must be lawful. IMO, it's arguable that if the data of the keeper is used in a manner which misrepresents the controller's lawful authority then this is an arguable breach of GDPR because data may only be used for legitimate purposes. Surely the ICO has a role here if data is released, say, to 'Debt collectors' and the like solely for the purpose of pursuing the keeper. This must be an ICO matter.


(DVLA's response might carry the hallmarks of a standard response, perhaps they've responded so often that cut and paste is easier. Typos are likely to occur, as here.)
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on July 06, 2025, 02:45:19 pm
Quote
As previously advised, UK Car Park Management Ltd is a member of the International Parking Community (IPC).

Do you need more evidence that they are using boilerplate responses. WTF has UKCPM got to do with a complaint about VCS?

An additional point that should be brought up in an ICA complaint is this ludicrous statement:

Quote
While I understand your concerns and that you feel that we have not complied with our duties as the data controller, there is no evidence that VCS has breached any statutory provisions or other legal requirement affecting the Keeper At Date Of Event (KADOE) service. Schedule 4 of POFA 2012 could be applicable at the site in question, as the enforcement scheme at Liverpool John Lennon Airport is not operated under airport byelaws.

When you consider that this statement is from a government agency, it is gobsmacking that they don't understand the law. There is no way on earth that PoFA can be applicable at LJLA as the whole are is covered by airport byelaws.

You should now tell the DVLA to escalate this to the ICA. Whilst the ICA will not investigate the issue you have with VCS, the response from the DVLA has not addressed the issues and shows level of incompetence that needs highlighting. Email the following in response to the Step 2 letter you received:

Quote
Subject: Request for ICA Referral – DVLA Step 2 Complaint Not Properly Investigated

Dear DVLA Complaints Team,

I am writing to request that my complaint be referred to the Independent Complaints Assessor (ICA) for independent review, as I am not satisfied that your Step 2 investigation has been conducted properly or in accordance with your obligations as a data controller.

My complaint concerns the unlawful use of my keeper data by Vehicle Control Services Ltd (VCS), who obtained it via the KADOE scheme and then misused it by asserting keeper liability under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA) in circumstances where such liability cannot apply. The location in question—Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA)—is land subject to statutory control under airport byelaws, which excludes it from the scope of PoFA.

Key grounds for ICA referral:

• Misrepresentation of my complaint: Your Step 2 response repeatedly refers to “reasonable cause” under Regulation 27, despite my explicit clarification that my complaint was not about the initial data release, but about the subsequent unlawful use of that data in breach of the KADOE contract and data protection law.
• Factual and legal errors: The response incorrectly suggests that PoFA could apply at LJLA, despite the statutory position that land under byelaws is excluded. This demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the law and undermines the credibility of the investigation.
• Copy-paste errors and irrelevant content: The response inexplicably references UK Car Park Management Ltd, a company entirely unrelated to this case. This suggests a lack of care and attention in handling my complaint and raises serious concerns about the integrity of the process.
• Failure to address KADOE compliance: The DVLA has a duty to ensure that data recipients comply with the terms of the KADOE contract. The response fails to engage with this issue or to consider whether VCS’s conduct constitutes a breach of those terms.

Given these serious procedural and substantive failings, I request that the DVLA now refer this matter to the Independent Complaints Assessor in accordance with the Department for Transport’s published complaints procedure.

Please confirm when this referral has been made.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address or Email]
[DVLA Complaint Reference Number]
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on July 06, 2025, 09:14:35 am
Reply from DVLA....Thank you for your email of 4 June about the release of information from our vehicle
register and the dispute you have with the parking company Vehicle Control Services (VCS)
Ltd. Your case has been escalated to step 2 of our complaints procedure and I have been
asked to reply.
We aim to reply within 10 working days. However, on this occasion, it has taken us longer
as our current work volumes are higher than usual. Please accept my apologies for this.
I understand you feel that Vehicle Control Services (VCS) Ltd did not meet the
requirements set out in the Protection of Freedoms Act (POFA) 2012, and that they have
breached the Private Parking Single Code of Practice. I fully appreciate you feel that
although the company may have had reasonable cause to request your information, this
was then misused. However, I must advise that it is not a matter for the DVLA to decide on
the merits of individual cases or to arbitrate in any civil disputes between motorists and
private companies or other enforcement agencies. We cannot regulate any aspect of a
company’s business. Any representations should be made to the landowner or their agent.
As you are aware, the law provides for the release of information from our records in certain
circumstances. Regulation 27 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing)
Regulations 2002 permits the disclosure of information from vehicle records held by the
Secretary of State for Transport to those who can demonstrate a reasonable cause for
receiving it. While reasonable cause is not defined in legislation, the government’s policy is
that requests should relate to the vehicle or its use following incidents where there may be
liability on the part of the driver.
I should explain that overall responsibility for off-street parking sits with the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This includes matters relating to
the applicability of the keeper liability measures provided by the POFA 2012. I can advise
you that there will be significant changes within the private parking sector with the creation
of a statutory Code of Practice and a single independent appeals service. MHCLG is
responsible for the implementation of these new measures. You may wish to raise any
concerns you may have with them. They can be contacted by emailing
parking@communities.gov.uk

It may also help to explain that the DVLA’s role in this context is to consider whether the
release of information to third parties requesting the data meets the reasonable cause
provision under Regulation 27(1)(e) of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing)
Regulations 2002. As you are aware, the release of information to private car parking
companies is considered to be a reasonable cause.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is fully aware of how data held on our records
is released. The ICO’s opinion regarding the lawful basis for the processing of vehicle
keeper data is published here. This includes information regarding the sharing of data with
car park management companies under Article 6(1) of the UK General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR). It also explains that paragraph 11 of Schedule 4 of the Protection of
Freedoms Act (POFA) 2012 provides car park management companies with an enforceable
legal right to claim charges from vehicle keepers.
Recipients of information from our records are bound by contract and subject to audit. The
supporting evidence relevant to each request must be held and stored securely by the
company. Anyone making a false declaration to obtain information may be leaving
themselves open to prosecution under data protection laws. As my colleague has
explained, VCS, separately from us, is the data controller of each item of data received
from us from the point of receipt. VCS has a duty to comply with data protection legislation
and any data protection principles in relation to any further processing.
As you are aware, private parking management companies wishing to request vehicle
keeper information must be members of an appropriate Accredited Trade Association
(ATA). This helps ensure that requesters are legitimate companies operating in line with a
published code of practice that promotes fair treatment of the motorist and ensures that
there is a clear set of standards for operators that cover, among other things, signage,
appeals processes, and methods of contacting drivers. The Government is very much
aware of public concern about the enforcement practices adopted by some parking
management companies. We are working closely with the parking sector to improve
procedures and to encourage compliance with relevant codes of practice. The ATA carries
out its own checks before allowing companies to become members and monitors ongoing
compliance with the code of practice.
As previously advised, UK Car Park Management Ltd is a member of the International
Parking Community (IPC). Under the circumstances, I suggest that you contact the IPC
about this matter, as the DVLA cannot comment on the issues you have raised regarding
compliance with the code of practice. It is the IPC’s responsibility to make sure their
members are operating according to the code of practice available at
www.theipc.info/publications
Section 18 (page 30) of the code of practice covers monitoring compliance. If the IPC find
that VCS have not followed the correct procedures, they will take the appropriate action. As
my colleague has explained, this could mean that the parking company is suspended or
expelled. During which time no data will be provided to them by the DVLA. As noted on
section 18.11, the ATAs inform the DVLA and the other ATA immediately if an operator is
suspended, expelled from membership.

If a company does not adhere to their contract with us, it could be suspended independently
of any ATA investigation. I can assure you our audit arrangements ensure that requesters
have appropriate internal controls in place to protect the information provided. Checks are
also conducted by the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA) on our behalf. Where
compliance issues are identified, we will take appropriate action to ensure the matter is
rectified.
While I understand your concerns and that you feel that we have not complied with our
duties as the data controller, there is no evidence that VCS has breached any statutory
provisions or other legal requirement affecting the Keeper At Date Of Event (KADOE)
service. Schedule 4 of POFA 2012 could be applicable at the site in question, as the
enforcement scheme at Liverpool John Lennon Airport is not operated under airport
byelaws.
In closing, I can assure you we have followed the correct procedures in releasing your data
and we cannot become involved in the dispute that has now arisen between you and the
parking company. VCS are responsible for making decisions about how the personal data
they hold is handled, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations including the UK
GDPR. If you cannot resolve this matter through appealing to VCS or via the IPC process,
or through contact with MHCLG, you have the option of seeking independent legal advice.
Ultimately it would be for a court to determine the validity of any claim.
This brings the DVLA procedure to an end. Further options can be found in the enclosed
leaflet, (MIS 582), which outlines the remit of the Independent Complaints Assessor (ICA).
Please note, an ICA cannot look at complaints about legislation, government, departmental
or agency policy.
I must also advise that an ICA would review the handling of your enquiry but if you are not
satisfied with the way that we (or indeed the other parties concerned) have handled your
data, you should contact the Information Commissioner’s Office. Further information and
their contact details can be found at ico.org.uk
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on June 19, 2025, 10:51:05 am
The IPC, the Accredited Trade Association (ATA) that runs the Approved Operator Scheme (AOS) that holds the KADOE contract with the DVLA, is owned by the same company that the IAS trades under.

This is so incestuous, you couldn't make it up. Have a search for "Will Hurley" on Companies House records to see which companies he is a director of, all incestuously linked to the IPC, the IAS and Gladstones. Judge, jury and executioner.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: jfollows on June 19, 2025, 09:42:41 am
I take it you're not a fan of the IAS! Submitted.

Note their email was titled Prima Facie Case Recieved which isn't a good start and doesn't give you much faith.
The IAS upholds 4% of appeals whereas POPLA upholds 40% of appeals, that fact in itself says a lot.

Smart Parking, a really bad car park operator, recently switched to the IAS because they (Smart) lie egregiously in their appeal responses, and POPLA often - not always - found them out. The IAS will side with them.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 19, 2025, 09:40:29 am
I take it you're not a fan of the IAS! Submitted.

Note their email was titled Prima Facie Case Recieved which isn't a good start and doesn't give you much faith.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on June 18, 2025, 05:49:49 pm
You can simply respond to the operators evidence with the following:

Quote
1. The whole of LJLA is land that is under statutory control and therefore there can be no Keeper liability. If a supposedly legally qualified IAS assessor cannot understand that, then let the operator litigate the matter and we will see.
2. The signs are prohibitive and cannot form a contract. Again, if the IAS assessor is really legally qualified to solicitor or barrister level, as they claim but do not evidence, then they would understand basic contract law and know that a prohibitive sign cannot form a contract by conduct.
In conclusion, regardless of the operator’s protestations, there is no Keeper liability, and no contract could have been formed with the driver. The operator may squeal all they like about some presumed identity between Keeper and driver, but any legally trained assessor would know such an inference would never hold water in court—particularly in light of VCS v Edward (2023), where this very operator failed spectacularly to prove their case on appeal. Frankly, the appellant has no issue with them trying their luck again in front of an actual judge, should this appeal be dismissed by the supposedly 'independent' IAS and their so-called legally qualified assessors.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: DWMB2 on June 18, 2025, 04:54:31 pm
The 1st, surely - why pass up the opportunity to comment on their evidence and pick holes in their arguments?
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 18, 2025, 04:41:27 pm
I didn't realise the IAS appeal was a two stage process.

The Parking Operator should have uploaded sufficient evidence to show that you are, on the face of it, liable to pay the charge.

You will then have TWO options:

1) SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE - You can respond to the evidence by making any representations that you consider to be relevant as to the lawfulness of the charge any by uploading any extra photographs or other evidence that you may have. After you submit your response, and the operator doesn't provide any more information you will not have the ability to add to or amend your submission. If the operator provides more information or evidence you will then have another chance to respond.

- OR -

2) REFER THE CASE STRAIGHT TO ARBITRATION - If you think you do not need to add any more information or evidence, for example if you consider that the information provided is not capable of showing that you are, on the face of it, responsible for the parking charge, then you may choose this option. Neither party will have the opportunity of making more representations and the Adjudicator will decide, on the balance of probabilities, whether you are liable for the parking charge.

Presumably I'm taking the 2nd option?
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 16, 2025, 01:25:37 pm
Ok submitted. I'll let you know when they reject it!
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: DWMB2 on June 13, 2025, 05:29:00 pm
Try again over the weekend, if it's not working by close of play Monday, let us know. There's sometimes a delay between them rejecting your appeal and the IAS portal recognising the case.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 13, 2025, 04:46:12 pm
Thanks. Interestingly the IAS website does not appear to recognise the CN reference.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on June 13, 2025, 03:25:27 pm
As expected. You can submit an IAS appeal as follows:

Quote
I am the registered keeper of the vehicle. I deny any liability for this parking charge and appeal in full.

I repeat from my previous correspondence with the operator that their suggestion that they may continue to pursue the Keeper “on the reasonable assumption that [they] were the driver” is baseless. The operator, VCS, know this. The operator has already lost on this point in their own appellate case Vehicle Control Services Ltd v Ian Mark Edward (2023) [HOKF6C9C], where HHJ Gargan ruled that it is not appropriate to assume the Keeper was the driver on the balance of probability without supporting evidence. The operator cannot rely on PoFA to transfer liability, nor can they rely on unsupported inference.

The operator then makes the absurd claim that the byelaws are “not currently in use”. This is legally meaningless. Byelaws do not simply fall into disuse or expire by neglect — they remain in force unless and until they are formally repealed or replaced by statute. Unless the operator can produce definitive proof that the LJLA byelaws have been lawfully rescinded, they remain in effect and the land remains under statutory control. That alone disqualifies it as “relevant land” for the purposes of Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. The operator’s assertion is just another example of the misinformation routinely used to support this long-running scam.

I challenge a supposedly legally trained IAS assessor to explain how a sign that ONLY states the following can form a contract:

"No Stopping. £100 charge if you stop. Traffic compliance cameras. Private Property. Vehicle Keeper details may be requested from the DVLA. Vehicle Control Services Ltd manage and control this site"

The operator claims their signs create a contractual obligation, but as they well know, and so should any legally trained assessor, the signage does not offer any terms to accept — it is prohibitory in nature. The sign threatens a charge for an act that is forbidden. A contract cannot be formed where the only “offer” is a prohibition, especially when there is no benefit or consideration. This type of sign has been found incapable of forming a contract in multiple persuasive court decisions.

Finally, the operators reference to “continuing to pursue” the Keeper without identifying the driver only further supports my existing complaints to the DVLA and ICO concerning their unlawful misuse of DVLA Keeper data, contrary to the KADOE contract, the BPA/IPC Private Parking Single Code of Practice (PPSCoP), and UK GDPR Article 5 principles.

The operators threat of continued pursuit — despite their admitted lack of evidence and absence of any statutory Keeper liability — is entirely unjustified and amounts to vexatious conduct.

The parking operator bears the burden of proof. It must establish that a contravention occurred, that a valid contract was formed between the operator and the driver, and that it has lawful authority to operate and issue Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) in its own name. I therefore require the operator to provide the following:

1. Strict proof of clear, prominent, and adequate signage that was in place on the date in question, at the exact location of the alleged contravention. This must include a detailed site plan showing the placement of each sign and legible images of the signs in situ. The operator must demonstrate that signage was visible, legible, and compliant with the IPC Code of Practice that was valid at the time of the alleged contravention, including requirements relating to font size, positioning, and the communication of key terms.

2. Strict proof of a valid, contemporaneous contract or lease flowing from the landowner that authorises the operator to manage parking, issue PCNs, and pursue legal action in its own name. I refer the operator and the IAS assessor to Section 14 of the PPSCoP (Relationship with Landowner), which clearly sets out mandatory minimum requirements that must be evidenced before any parking charge may be issued on controlled land.

In particular, Section 14.1(a)–(j) requires the operator to have in place written confirmation from the landowner which includes:

• the identity of the landowner,
• a boundary map of the land to be managed,
• applicable byelaws,
• the duration and scope of authority granted,
• detailed parking terms and conditions including any specific permissions or exemptions,
• the means of issuing PCNs,
• responsibility for obtaining planning and advertising consents,
• and the operator’s obligations and appeal procedure under the Code.

These requirements are not optional. They are a condition precedent to issuing a PCN and bringing any associated action. Accordingly, I put the operator to strict proof of compliance with the entirety of Section 14 of the PPSCoP. Any document that contains redactions must not obscure the above conditions. The document must also be dated and signed by identifiable persons, with evidence of their authority to act on behalf of the parties to the agreement. The operator must provide an agreement showing clear authorisation from the landowner for this specific site.

3. Strict proof that the enforcement mechanism (e.g. ANPR or manual patrol) is reliable, synchronised, maintained, and calibrated regularly. The operator must prove the vehicle was present for the full duration alleged and not simply momentarily on site, potentially within a permitted consideration or grace period as defined by the PPSCoP.

4. Strict proof that the Notice to Keeper complies with the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA), if the operator is attempting to rely on Keeper liability. Any failure to comply with the mandatory wording or timelines in Schedule 4 of PoFA renders keeper liability unenforceable.

5. The IAS claims that its assessors are “qualified solicitors or barristers.” Yet there is no way to verify this. Decisions are unsigned, anonymised, and unpublished. There is no transparency, no register of assessors, and no way for a motorist to assess the legal credibility of the individual supposedly adjudicating their appeal. If the person reading this really is legally qualified, they will know that without strict proof of landowner authority (VCS v HMRC [2013] EWCA Civ 186), no claim can succeed. They will also know that clear and prominent signage is a prerequisite for contract formation (ParkingEye v Beavis [2015] UKSC 67), and that keeper liability under PoFA is only available where strict statutory conditions are met.

If the assessor chooses to overlook these legal requirements and accept vague assertions or redacted documents from the operator, that will speak for itself—and lend further weight to the growing concern that this appeals service is neither independent nor genuinely legally qualified.

In short, I dispute this charge in its entirety and require full evidence of compliance with the law, industry codes of practice, and basic contractual principles.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 13, 2025, 02:01:28 pm
Appeal rejected as expected - see attached

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on June 04, 2025, 04:38:31 pm
Yes
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 04, 2025, 04:15:25 pm
Thanks. I've done that.
Out of interest was theirs the standard response you expected?
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on June 04, 2025, 03:36:29 pm
I suggest you respond to that letter from VCS with the following:

Quote
Formal Appeal to Vehicle Control Services Ltd

PCN Ref: VCS23023633
Vehicle Reg: HG65 VMX
Site: Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Date of Issue: 8 May 2025

This is submitted in response to Point 2 of your letter dated 4 June 2025. To be clear, my original appeal still stands in full and is reiterated below with an additional clarification.

I am the registered keeper. VCS cannot hold a registered keeper liable for any alleged contravention on land that is under statutory control. As a matter of fact and law, VCS will be well aware that you cannot use the PoFA provisions because Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) is not “relevant land” under Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.

If LJLA wished to enforce against keepers under Airport Bylaws, that would be within the landowner’s statutory remit. However, not only is that not pleaded here, it is also not legally viable: VCS is not the Airport authority, and your so-called “charge” is neither a penalty nor a statutory enforcement measure. It is plainly a contractual invoice pursued for your own commercial gain, not for the public purse.

Your Notice to Keeper cannot transfer liability to the registered keeper. It does not (and cannot) rely on PoFA, and your attempt to imply that the Keeper is liable by stating that you “may pursue [the Keeper] on the assumption [they] were the driver” is legally embarrassing and nonsensical.

Let me spell this out: The registered keeper cannot be presumed or inferred to have been the driver, nor pursued under some desperate distortion of agency law. If there is no evidence of who was driving, your claim ends there.

If you have forgotten, may I politely remind you that your company lost this argument spectacularly in your own case:
VCS v Ian Mark Edward (2023) [OKF6C9C] (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zra61px7l3if53o3bp9c4/VCS-v-EDWARD-Transcript.pdf?rlkey=bv4bba389nau5qpfglqkpjq5l&st=7pj9cgb1&dl=0) — where HHJ Gargan confirmed that there is no legal or evidential basis to assume the Keeper was the driver. The judgment even laid out common examples where such an inference is clearly invalid. That ruling leaves no room for your tired fiction that Keeper = driver.

So, do not insult my intelligence or waste my time with more of the same template replies.

If you intend to pursue this charge without identifying the driver, and in full knowledge that your case cannot survive judicial scrutiny, then I can only refer you to the well-established position in Arkell v Pressdram (1971).

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]
Registered Keeper
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 04, 2025, 02:00:15 pm
Ok done the Step 2 DVLA . And in the meantime VCS have replied - see attached.

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on June 04, 2025, 10:46:44 am
As expected, the usual fob-off by the DVLA. You now escalate this to a step 2 complaint to the Head of Complaints. The process is identical to the Step 1 process except that the link is:  https://contact.dvla.gov.uk/head-of-complaints

Here is the text for the webform:

Quote
I am escalating my complaint to Step 2, having received a wholly inadequate and dismissive response from Carly Williams (Ref: 0405058). Ms Williams’ reply fails to address the core of my complaint, which concerns the misuse of DVLA Keeper data after it was disclosed to Vehicle Control Services Ltd (VCS), a private parking company operating at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The DVLA has a legal obligation to ensure that data released under the KADOE contract is used lawfully and in compliance with the relevant Code of Practice. While the Step 1 response focuses entirely on the original request (reasonable cause), it ignores the key issue of how VCS subsequently misused the data in breach of the KADOE contract and UK GDPR.

I attach a detailed supporting statement explaining exactly how the data was used unlawfully by VCS, including evidence that they issued a Notice to Keeper falsely implying that the Keeper could be pursued under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012—despite the land being excluded from that Act. This is a textbook case of unlawful post-access use and misrepresentation, which DVLA remains jointly responsible for as data controller at the point of disclosure.

Please confirm escalation of my complaint and provide a reference number.

And here is the supporting statement which should be uploaded as a PDF file:

Quote
SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Step 2 Complaint to DVLA – Misuse of Keeper Data by Vehicle Control Services Ltd (VCS)

Operator name: Vehicle Control Services Ltd
Date of PCN issue: 8 May 2025
Vehicle registration: [INSERT VRM]
DVLA Ref: 0405058
Step 1 responder: Carly Williams, Data Customer Auditor

I am escalating this complaint to Step 2 because the Step 1 response from Carly Williams demonstrates a fundamental failure to understand the nature of my complaint, the legal duties of the DVLA, and the conditions of data release under the KADOE contract.

1. Misunderstanding of the Complaint

The Step 1 reply wrongly treats this as a challenge to the initial release of data based on "reasonable cause." That is not the basis of this complaint. As I made clear, my concern is the subsequent unlawful use of DVLA-supplied Keeper data after disclosure, in breach of the:

• KADOE contract,
• Private Parking Single Code of Practice (PPSCoP), and
• UK GDPR.

The DVLA, as data controller at the point of release, has a duty to ensure that data is only used for the limited purpose for which it was disclosed: the fair and lawful pursuit of a parking charge under the Code of Practice. Once an operator breaches the Code post-access, the continued use of that data becomes unlawful. That is the crux of this complaint, and it was entirely ignored by Ms Williams.

2. Misstatement of Data Controller Responsibility

Ms Williams claimed that once DVLA has released data, the private parking operator becomes the Data Controller. While operators do become independent controllers, the DVLA retains responsibility as the original controller and data provider under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. The DVLA is responsible for ensuring that personal data is not misused as a direct result of its own disclosures.

This position is well established in ICO guidance and reflects the DVLA’s ongoing obligation to enforce the KADOE contract and suspend access where misuse is identified.

3. Breach of KADOE and PPSCoP by VCS

VCS has misused the data by issuing a Notice to Keeper which falsely implies that they can hold the Keeper liable under Schedule 4 of PoFA 2012, despite the location (Liverpool John Lennon Airport) not being “relevant land” for the purposes of that Act.

Specifically, the Notice states:

If... we do not know both the name of the driver and a current address for service for the driver, we may pursue you (the Keeper) on the assumption you were the driver.

This copies the language of PoFA 9(2)(f) and is intended to mislead the Keeper into believing they can be held liable. This is legally false and in direct breach of the PPSCoP (Section 3.3), which requires operators to act fairly, professionally, and transparently. It is also a breach of the purpose limitation and lawfulness principles under UK GDPR.

4. VCS Has Already Lost on This Point in Court

In the appellate case VCS v Ian Mark Edward [2023] (HOKF6C9C), HHJ Gargan ruled unequivocally at paragraph 5.3 that it is not appropriate to assume the Keeper is the driver without evidence. The judge explained that the assumption is unsound and that there are many common situations where the Keeper is not the driver. The continued use of this tactic by VCS demonstrates a deliberate and knowing misuse of personal data.

5. VCS Are Not a Statutory Authority

It must be stressed that VCS is a private, unregulated parking company with no statutory powers. They cannot issue fines or penalties. The charge is framed to appear like a penalty, when in fact it is nothing more than a speculative invoice, with no lawful basis in contract or statute. This misrepresentation, when linked to DVLA-supplied data, further compounds the breach.

Conclusion and Request

The Step 1 response shows a serious failure to understand:

• The DVLA's continuing data controller obligations,
• The difference between lawful access and unlawful post-access use,
• The KADOE requirement to act in accordance with the PPSCoP,
• And the legal limits on private companies misusing Keeper data under false pretences.

I am therefore requesting that this complaint be fully reviewed by the Head of Complaints and not simply passed back to the same department. The DVLA cannot lawfully continue to allow private companies to obtain data on a “reasonable cause” basis and then wash its hands of how that data is used—especially when the use breaches both contractual and legal safeguards.

Please confirm the escalation and provide a complaint reference number for Step 2. I am willing to provide any further material required.

Name: [INSERT NAME]
Date: [INSERT DATE]
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 04, 2025, 10:14:09 am
Sorry I thought I'd attached it[attachimg=1]

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on June 03, 2025, 05:49:00 pm
...and that response is...?

Please show it so I can formulate the Step 2 submission.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on June 03, 2025, 03:52:18 pm
I have received a DVLA response which I suspect is a standard reply.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on May 23, 2025, 09:11:41 am
All submitted. I'll let you know when they reject it!
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on May 23, 2025, 04:28:08 am
I am the registered keeper. VCS cannot hold a registered keeper liable for any alleged contravention on land that is under statutory control. As a matter of fact and law, VCS will be well aware that they cannot use the PoFA provisions because Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) is not 'relevant land'.

If LJLA wanted to hold owners or keepers liable under Airport Bylaws, that would be within the landowner's gift and another matter entirely. However, not only is that not pleaded, it is also not legally possible because VCS is not the Airport owner and your 'parking charge' is not and never attempts to be a penalty. It is created for VCS's own profit (as opposed to a bylaws penalty that goes to the public purse) and VCS has relied on contract law allegations of breach against the driver only.

The registered keeper cannot be presumed or inferred to have been the driver, nor pursued under some twisted interpretation of the law of agency. Your NtK can only hold the driver liable. VCS have no hope should you try to litigate, so you are urged to save us both a complete waste of time and cancel the PCN.

This is all you need for the initial appeal. Don't waste time and effort as they will reject any initial appeal, no matter what is in it. You are simply letting them know that you are not low-hanging fruit on the gullible tree.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on May 22, 2025, 08:52:43 pm
Thanks for the advice. Can I just check please. I'm putting the 3 paragraphs from your original reply in my appeal to myparkingcharge website, not anything from the second reply?

I've been down this path before helping my son out with a parking charge 3 years ago so I know about the long drawn out process before they drop it at the last moment!

If you can confirm that would be great and then I'll do the DVLA complaint too.

Thanks
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on May 19, 2025, 02:27:34 pm
I didn't't advise that your "create a reply" based on what I said you should put in your initial appeal. Just use that exact wording. No need to edit or amend it. Just make sure that if you submit it using their webform, that you DO NOT select any option that suggest you are appealing as the driver. You are appealing ONLY as the Keeper or "other".

The initial appeal is going to be rejected, no matter what you put in, so don't complicate this by trying to be clever with your appeal.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on May 19, 2025, 09:17:14 am
Thanks for all that advice.

So I'll create a reply to them based on B789 wording and complain to DVLA too.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on May 18, 2025, 11:36:10 pm
You are also advised to submit a formal complaint to the DVLA because VCS having obtained your data, are now using it unlawfully. Here’s how to make a DVLA complaint:

• Go to: https://contact.dvla.gov.uk/complaints
• Select: “Making a complaint or compliment about the Vehicles service you have received”
• Enter your personal details, contact details, and vehicle details
• Use the text box to summarise your complaint or insert a covering note
• You will then be able to upload a file (up to 19.5 MB) — this can be your full complaint or supporting evidence
That’s it.

The DVLA is required to record, investigate and respond to every complaint about a private parking company. If everyone who encounters a breach took the time to submit a complaint, we might finally see the DVLA take meaningful action—whether that means curtailing or removing KADOE access altogether.

For the text part of the complaint the webform could use the following:

Quote
I am submitting a formal complaint against Vehicle Control Services Ltd (VCS), an IPC AOS member with DVLA KADOE access, for breaching the Private Parking Single Code of Practice (PPSCoP) after obtaining my personal data.

While the Operator may have had reasonable cause at the time of their KADOE request, their subsequent misuse of my data—through conduct that contravenes the PPSCoP—renders that use unlawful. The PPSCoP forms an integral part of the DVLA’s governance framework for data access by private parking firms. Continued access is conditional on compliance.

The DVLA, as data controller, is obliged under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 to investigate and take enforcement action when data is misused following release. This complaint is not about whether the data was obtained lawfully at the outset, but whether its subsequent use breached the terms under which it was provided.

I have prepared a supporting statement setting out the nature of the breach and the Operator’s actions, and I request a full investigation into this matter. I have attached the supporting document.

Please acknowledge receipt and confirm the reference number for this complaint.

Then you could upload the following as a PDF file for the formal complaint itself:

Quote
SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Complaint to DVLA – Breach of KADOE Contract and PPSCoP

Operator name: Vehicle Control Services Ltd (VCS) 
Date of PCN issue: 8 May 2025 
Vehicle registration: [INSERT VRM]

I am submitting this complaint to report a misuse of my personal data by Vehicle Control Services Ltd (VCS), who obtained my keeper details from the DVLA under the KADOE (Keeper At Date Of Event) contract.

Although VCS may have had reasonable cause to request my data initially, the way they have used that data afterwards amounts to unlawful processing. This is because they have acted in breach of the Private Parking Single Code of Practice (PPSCoP), which is a mandatory requirement for access to DVLA keeper data. The PPSCoP forms part of the framework that regulates how parking companies must behave once they have received keeper data from the DVLA.

The KADOE contract makes clear that keeper data may only be used to pursue an unpaid parking charge in line with the Code of Practice. If a parking company fails to comply with the PPSCoP after receiving DVLA data, their use of that data becomes unlawful, as they are no longer using it for a permitted purpose.

In this case, VCS has breached the PPSCoP and misused the Keeper’s data in the following ways:

• The signage relied on at Liverpool John Lennon Airport is incapable of forming a contract. It clearly prohibits stopping and threatens a £100 charge for doing so. This is not an invitation to treat or an offer of terms that can be accepted by conduct. There is no consideration or benefit offered to the driver, which is a fundamental requirement for a binding contract. Therefore, the signage cannot form a lawful contract, and the £100 charge is not a contractual fee but an unenforceable deterrent. A charge issued under these circumstances has no lawful basis.

• The land is under statutory control via airport byelaws, meaning it is not classified as “relevant land” for the purposes of Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA). Because of this, the provisions in PoFA that allow a parking operator to pursue the registered Keeper in the absence of driver details do not apply on this site. This is a settled point in parking law, and VCS knows or ought to know that PoFA cannot be invoked in these circumstances.

• Despite PoFA not applying, VCS has deliberately copied wording from Paragraph 9(2)(f) of Schedule 4 of PoFA into the Notice to Keeper. The notice states: “we may pursue you (the Keeper) on the assumption you were the driver.” This is a direct mimicry of PoFA’s statutory language and is used deceptively to suggest that the Keeper can be held liable even when the legal basis to do so does not exist. This is both misleading and unfair, and in direct breach of the requirement under Section 3.3 of the PPSCoP to act “professionally, fairly and transparently.”

• The conduct of VCS in relying on such language has already been criticised in court. In the persuasive County Court appeal case VCS v Ian Mark Edwards [2023] HOKF6C9C, HHJ Gargan made clear in his conclusion at paragraph 35.3 that:

It is not appropriate to draw an inference that, on balance of probability, the registered keeper was driving on any given occasion.

The judge offered several examples of common scenarios (e.g. company cars, shared family vehicles) to show that assuming the Keeper was also the driver is speculative and unsupported. This is directly relevant, and VCS’s continued use of that assumption—despite this ruling—shows a wilful disregard for the law and judicial guidance.

• VCS is a private company with no statutory or lawful authority to issue penalties for stopping. They are not a public authority, and cannot lawfully impose or enforce fines. The £100 demand is therefore not a penalty lawfully issued under any statutory enforcement power, but rather a speculative invoice dressed up in intimidating language. This is especially concerning given VCS’s background as a former clamping company, a practice now banned in England and Wales under the Protection of Freedoms Act. Their current business model is essentially a continuation of the same coercive tactics, but now using CCTV and misleading notices.

• This behaviour is consistent with what many consider to be vexatious conduct, designed not to recover genuine losses, but to pressure registered Keepers into payment through legally questionable means. It is also arguably in breach of the UK GDPR principles of fairness and purpose limitation, as the DVLA-supplied data is being used in a way that is not compatible with its stated purpose: namely, to pursue a lawful charge in accordance with the relevant Code of Practice.

These actions represent serious, systemic breaches of the PPSCoP and undermine the lawful basis on which VCS was permitted to access and use DVLA Keeper data. They are not minor technical issues but deliberate and recurring tactics used by an unregulated private operator with a track record of aggressive enforcement and disregard for due process.

The DVLA remains the Data Controller for the data it releases under KADOE, and is therefore responsible for ensuring that personal data is not misused by third parties. This includes taking action against AOS operators who breach the conditions under which the data was provided. I am therefore asking the DVLA to investigate this breach and to take appropriate action under the terms of the KADOE contract.

This may include:

• Confirming that a breach has occurred 
• Taking enforcement action against the operator 
• Suspending or terminating their KADOE access if warranted

I have attached relevant supporting material with this statement. Please confirm receipt and provide a reference for this complaint. I am also happy to provide further information if required.

Name: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
Date: [INSERT DATE]
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: DWMB2 on May 18, 2025, 11:15:32 pm
VCS Limited v Ian Mark Edward (2023) [H0KF6C9C] (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zra61px7l3if53o3bp9c4/VCS-v-EDWARD-Transcript.pdf?rlkey=bv4bba389nau5qpfglqkpjq5l&st=hmsa1hs4&dl=0)
VCS Limited... sounds familiar!
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on May 18, 2025, 11:00:11 pm
You should also note the following bit at the bottom of the notice (my emphasis):

Quote
Important Note: If, after the period of 28 days beginning with the day after the Issue Date of this Notice, the amount of the unpaid Charge specified in this Notice has not been paid in full and we do not know both the name of the driver and a current address for service for the driver, we may pursue you (the Keeper) on the assumption you were the driver, for any unpaid balance of the Charge.

Now have a read of this persuasive appeals case which is about "assumption" that the Keeper was the driver:

VCS Limited v Ian Mark Edward (2023) [H0KF6C9C] (https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zra61px7l3if53o3bp9c4/VCS-v-EDWARD-Transcript.pdf?rlkey=bv4bba389nau5qpfglqkpjq5l&st=hmsa1hs4&dl=0)

The most important bit of the appeal judge's decision is at paragraph 35.3:

Quote
35.3. it is consistent with the appropriate probability analysis whereby simply because somebody is a registered keeper, it does not mean on balance of probability they were driving on this occasion, because one simply cannot tell. For example, there will be companies who are registered keepers of vehicles where many drivers have the use of the vehicle from time to time. There will be individual employers are the registered keeper but who allow a number of people who may drive their vehicles. There may be situations where husband and wife are each registered keepers of their respective vehicles but for some reason drive the other. Or there may be situations where husband/wife is the registered keeper of both family cars and the registered keeper regularly drives one car and their spouse regularly drives the other. These are all possibilities which show that it is not appropriate to draw an inference that, on balance of probability, the registered keeper was driving on any given occasion.

This would never get as far as a hearing. However, that does not mean that they are going to fight you all the way. You can rely on our advice and experience to get this defeated and you also get a life lesson on your rights and how to stand up for them against rogue, ex-clamper scammers like VCS.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on May 18, 2025, 10:48:23 pm
As you can see from the CN, they are relying on a breach of a contractual term:

Quote
The charge has been incurred for the reason stated and liability brought to the attention of the driver by the Terms and Conditions displayed on signage placed at the entrance to the controlled area (site) and in prominent places throughout.

If you look at the signs when entering LJLA, you will see this:

(https://i.imgur.com/ljJ2DHj.jpeg) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ibH4Dt1SPjfEMBpY6)

Please show us how this sign is capable of forming a contract with the driver:

(https://i.imgur.com/8QZVHaz.jpeg)

The sign cannot form a valid contract because it does not offer any terms that a driver can accept. Instead, it simply forbids stopping and threatens a £100 charge if a driver does stop. For a contract to be formed, there must be an offer, acceptance, and some form of benefit or consideration. This sign provides none of that—it gives no option to park under certain conditions or for a fee.

Furthermore, Vehicle Control Services Ltd is an unregulated private parking company and has no statutory authority to issue penalties. Only public bodies can issue fines or penalties. Since this £100 charge is not based on a valid contract and cannot lawfully be a penalty, it has no legal basis and is therefore unenforceable.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on May 18, 2025, 10:12:42 pm
see attached

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: DWMB2 on May 18, 2025, 08:22:52 pm
As above. VCS issue around 400 charges per day, they're unlikely to be scouring the forums for the very small percentage of people who get advice and put up a decent fight.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on May 18, 2025, 07:36:26 pm
You can take the tin-foil hat off. Even if there was an imaginary team of hooded “yoofs” scouring the internet for cases to identify, what do you imagine they can do about it?

You are sourcing advice on how to deal with a scam. What do you think they could do about it? All you have to do is refer to the driver in the third person, which you have. End of.

Yes, you can show the images. Even if there is a clear enough image of someone, how do you imagine they can identify that person? There is no magical unicorn database that an image of someone can be fed into and out will pop a detailed list with their name and address. They are not the police who can legally ise forensics to try and identify someone in a criminal case. This is a civil contractual dispute.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on May 18, 2025, 06:21:24 pm
Obviously I take all identifiable details out of the notice I post on here. Do you need to see the images? They'd identify the case (if any prying eyes were on here)?
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: b789 on May 18, 2025, 04:25:11 pm
I know LJLA well as I live locally. As advised, show us the Charge Notice (CN) you received. As the location is not relevant land for the purposes of PoFA as it is covered by airport byelaws, the Keeper cannot be liable and they have no idea who the driver is. As the Keeper is under no legal obligation to identify the driver to an unregulated private parking company, you should not do so.

Also, the signage as you enter LJLA is incapable of forming a contract as it is prohibitory and makes no offer that can be accepted. Therefore, no contract was entered into by the driver.

The CN is nothing more than a speculative invoice for an alleged breach of contract by the driver. Not that that will do much for now.

The initial appeal will be rejected and it is not worth wasting any effort on the secondary IAS appeal. This is how it will pan out, if you follow the advice...

Initial appeal rejected. Ignore all useless debt recovery letters. Eventually, a Letter of claim (LoC) is issued. After that is responded to with our assistance, an N1SDT Claim Form from the CNBC will be received and again, we will provide the necessary defence. In due course, the claim is either struck out or discontinued.

You have to understand that this is a well trodden process and they are hoping that you are low-hanging fruit on the gullible tree that will eventually pay up out of ignorance and fear. Our advice will guide you through this and if you follow it, you won't be paying a penny to VCS.

For now, show us the CN but you can also appeal with the following:

Quote
I am the registered keeper. VCS cannot hold a registered keeper liable for any alleged contravention on land that is under statutory control. As a matter of fact and law, VCS will be well aware that they cannot use the PoFA provisions because Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) is not 'relevant land'.

If LJLA wanted to hold owners or keepers liable under Airport Bylaws, that would be within the landowner's gift and another matter entirely. However, not only is that not pleaded, it is also not legally possible because VCS is not the Airport owner and your 'parking charge' is not and never attempts to be a penalty. It is created for VCS's own profit (as opposed to a bylaws penalty that goes to the public purse) and VCS has relied on contract law allegations of breach against the driver only.

The registered keeper cannot be presumed or inferred to have been the driver, nor pursued under some twisted interpretation of the law of agency. Your NtK can only hold the driver liable. VCS have no hope should you try to litigate, so you are urged to save us both a complete waste of time and cancel the PCN.
Title: Re: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: DWMB2 on May 18, 2025, 01:33:04 pm
Welcome to FTLA.
To help us provide the best advice, please read the following thread carefully and provide as much of the information it asks for as you are able to: READ THIS FIRST - Private Parking Charges Forum guide (https://www.ftla.uk/private-parking-tickets/read-this-first-private-parking-charges-forum-guide/)

Title: Liverpool airport £100 for stopping
Post by: Stan87 on May 18, 2025, 01:00:07 pm
Hi. Hope someone can help me here with advice.

I have received a CN/NTK from VCS for stopping at Liverpool Airport.

There are 3 photos on the notice of my car. I am the keeper.

As I understand it the driver, drove in to pick up a friend. If you know the layout, they turned right at the roundabout to look for the free area they had used on a previous occasion. With this not being obviously there, they did a 3 point turn and came back to the roundabout and went straight over. This took them immediately into a car park. At the barrier they pressed the telecom and asked how to get out. The operator surprisingly allowed them to drive through the packed car park and out the other side. They then went back over the roundabout to see if they could find the free area. At this point the passenger phoned and so they turned to head back. At the roundabout, as going round, they saw their friend and turned sharply right to see if there was anywhere to stop. The road was very short with a fence/gate at the end and as they turned the friend arrived at the car. Not even having pulled over, the friend opened the boot put in his case and jumped in the car. Paused for literally seconds.

The photos show this with the car in the middle of the road,not pulled to the side. They also show no cars about but a few people crossing behind the car.

Apparently there are signs saying no stopping but what do you do, drive past your friend, spend 15mins looking for a space in a car park, to immediately leave.

Beyond ridiculous.

No reply made as yet.