QuotePOPLA assessment and decision13/01/2026Verification Code5752755356DecisionSuccessfulAssessor NameHeidi BrownAssessor summary of operator caseThe operator has issued the Parking Charge Notice (PCN) as the motorist failed to make a valid payment.Assessor summary of your case- The appellant states the PCN fails to meet the requirements of the Protection of Freedoms Act (PoFA) 2012. - The appellant states a card payment was made at the machine, the funds were taken even though an error displayed. They state no receipt was provided but on the balance of probability, the payment was made. The appellant requests evidence of the payment logs. They state the operator confirms that the system will accept any VRM but this involves risk as a contravention can occur if the system does not check the VRM. - The appellant requests evidence of landowner authorisation. Upon reviewing the operator’s evidence, the appellant has reiterated their grounds. The appellant provided evidence of a payment.Assessor supporting rational for decisionI am allowing this appeal, with my reasoning outlined below: When assessing an appeal, the burden of proof begins with the operator to evidence that the PCN has been issued correctly. - The appellant states a card payment was made at the machine, the funds were taken even though an error displayed. They state no receipt was provided but on the balance of probability, the payment was made. The appellant requests evidence of the payment logs. They state the operator confirms that the system will accept any VRM but this involves risk as a contravention can occur if the system does not check the VRM. Although I acknowledge the operator has provided a transaction record to show no payment against the vehicle registration in question, it has failed to provide evidence to show other payments were made against full and correct registration on this date. Due to this, I am unable to conclude that the fault did not lie with the payment system and I am not satisfied that the operator has sufficiently rebutted the appellant’s grounds. Accordingly, I must allow this appeal. I note the appellant has raised grounds of appeal and evidence, however I have not considered these, as they do not have any bearing on my decision.A big, big thank you to b789 & InterCity125