What led the driver to believe that the car park was part of the hospital campus?
I'd respond with something like this:
To: Rob Cooper, Chief Executive Officer
Subject: Response to Your Dismissal of PCN Complaint – Trust Accountability Not Optional
Dear Mr Cooper,
Thank you for your response. Unfortunately, it does not withstand scrutiny.
You confirm that the car park in question is adjacent to Whiston Hospital, accessed via the same entrance as Trust-managed facilities, and that it is being advertised — by the operator — as “Whiston Hospital Car Park”. You also admit this is misleading. That alone should trigger intervention.
The fact that the land has been sold does not absolve the Trust of responsibility for the consequences of allowing a private enforcement scheme to operate under the implied banner of NHS infrastructure. Patients, visitors, and staff are being misled into believing this car park is part of the hospital campus. That confusion is not theoretical — it is real, and it is being exploited for profit.
The NHS Car Parking Guidance 2022 makes it clear: NHS organisations are responsible for the actions of contractors operating on or adjacent to their premises. That includes taking action against rogue operators and preventing misleading signage. The Trust’s duty is not limited to land it owns — it extends to protecting the public from confusion caused by proximity and implied affiliation.
Your website disclaimer is a weak afterthought. It does nothing to help those already caught out. There is no visible disclaimer at the site entrance. There is no effort to challenge the operator’s branding. And there is no indication that the Trust has even contacted Car Park Securities Ltd to demand they stop using the hospital’s name.
So let me be clear: I am not asking the Trust to take legal action. I am demanding that the Trust take responsibility. That means:
• Contacting Car Park Securities Ltd and instructing them to cancel the PCN issued under misleading conditions
• Demanding removal of any reference to “Whiston Hospital Car Park” from their signage and notices
• Installing physical disclaimers at the site entrance to warn the public
• Escalating the issue to Trading Standards or the local authority if the operator refuses to comply
• Reviewing the land sale terms to determine whether branding restrictions were included or should have been
If the Trust chooses to do nothing, it is complicit in the confusion and reputational damage. I expect a response confirming what action will be taken — not another attempt to disclaim responsibility.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Keeper of Vehicle Registration [XXX]
PCN Reference [Insert Reference Number]
Date: [Insert Date]
Good Afternoon,
I have recieved the following back from PALS at the hospital after asking them to cancel the ticket:
"This car park is not managed by our Trust, nor do any of our car park attendants carry out any patrols of the parking area or view the machines. We have asked for legal advice regarding this car park to see if they can remove the very misleading signage but have been told there is nothing legally, we can do because they have not used the NHS logo.
We have asked for information regarding this to go on our website, so people are made aware that this is not a Trust car park and this is in the process of being added.
I can only apologise that there is nothing more we as a trust can do regarding this issue."
I have checked Google Maps to see if I can find pics of the car park but they are 3x years old and not up to date, the actual car park backs onto an area used for staff parking that's permit holders only so I can't provide pics of the signage without travelling for an hour each way.
Given this, is there anything I can do to fight the ticket based on available information?
Thank you in advance.
Original post:
Good Morning,
I, the registered keeper & vehicle owner, recieved the below PCN from a private company for a driver overstaying in a car park.
A payment for 2 hours was made via the RingGo app.
The driver overstayed by 12m & 19s, they were visiting a sick relative and didn't realise how long the journey back to the car park would take them.
Hoping someone is able to offer some advice on how to (successfully) appeal.
Thank you in advance.
(https://i.imgur.com/psQhtCa.jpeg)
Good Morning,
I, the registered keeper & vehicle owner, recieved the below PCN from a private company for a driver overstaying in a car park.
A payment for 2 hours was made via the RingGo app.
The driver overstayed by 12m & 19s, they were visiting a sick relative and didn't realise how long the journey back to the car park would take them.
Hoping someone is able to offer some advice on how to (successfully) appeal.
Thank you in advance.
(https://i.imgur.com/psQhtCa.jpeg)