Free Traffic Legal Advice

Thank you for posting this!

I honestly have no real way to gauge when we got back.  I was actually freaked out when I saw the traffic warden as I thought it was already 10am and had even asked him what the time was.  So when he said "half nine", I was confused and then asked why he was giving me a ticket.

My daughter had watched maybe 3 episodes of Bluey while I was getting my son for a nap. So maybe 20-30mins?  I can't imagine it would have been more but I can't guarantee that to be honest.

Well being completely honest I am not sure exactly how long I was there for.  My phone was in the car and I was putting my baby for a nap.  If I had to guess I would say 20-30mins.  I did lose track of time as my 3 year old is off nursery today also, so was wrangling both of them.

I pulled up around 9ish. And then took them out of the car and into the house.  Then saw the traffic warden and was chatting to him through the window while I was still getting baby for a nap at 9:25.  And then eventually moved the car back into drive way around 9.40 I would say once he was asleep.  Didn't rush down to move it as ticket had already been issued.

Hello

In terms of hard information, this is all I have so far.  https://imgur.com/a/RhISu3B

And here is a GSV link to the street: https://maps.app.goo.gl/meTTxb5uQtfCgXLA6

It's a cul-de-sac so only one way onto the street from Anerley Hill.

The sign outside our house still reads. "Resident Permit Holders Only Mon - Sat 10am - noon".  That hasn't changed.

I haven't been to the end of my road to see any signage yet.  But can go up there once my baby is awake from nap.
Will have a look around there as soon as I can.  I think he was suggesting there was temporary signage?

Thank you

Hi all, looking for some guidance on how to proceed with a UKPA Parking Charge Notice (PCN) that I received for an alleged overstay of 21 minutes at The Colonnades, Croydon. I appealed to POPLA, but my appeal was rejected, and I’m unsure what my next steps should be.

The Situation:
   •   The driver entered the car park, parked, and went about their business.
   •   This is a maximum stay car park (3 hours), monitored by ANPR cameras.
   •   Upon returning to the car, the driver was delayed in leaving due to torrential rain and managing a distressed 8-week-old baby alongside a 3-year-old child.
   •   The total time on site (from ANPR entry to exit) was 3 hours 21 minutes, resulting in a PCN for overstaying by 21 minutes.
   •   The driver believed the parking period started when they parked, not when they entered, so they aimed to leave by what they thought was the correct time.

Appeal to UKPA & POPLA Decision:
   •   The UKPA appeal was rejected, so the driver escalated the case to POPLA.
   •   POPLA acknowledged the grace period of 10 minutes, but said that since the overstay was 21 minutes, the charge was valid.
   •   They also stated that the new Private Parking Sector Single Code of Practice (Oct 2024) allows some discretion but does not require UKPA to reduce or cancel the charge.
   •   POPLA rejected any further legal arguments, stating that they could not consider new points beyond those raised in the initial appeal.

Issues with the PCN:
   1.   ANPR captures entry/exit, not actual parking duration – the time spent finding a space and safely leaving is not accounted for.
   2.   Grace period should have been applied more fairly, given the circumstances.
   3.   Mitigating factors ignored – severe weather, caring for an infant, and ensuring a safe departure were not considered.

Next Steps & Advice Needed:
   •   Should I ignore the charge? How likely is UKPA to escalate to a County Court claim?
   •   Would the landowner be able to cancel the ticket? How do I find out who owns the car park?
   •   If taken to court, do I have a strong defence? Any advice on whether this is worth fighting further?

I have attached redacted copies of the PCN, the appeal, and the POPLA decision, as well as photos of signage where possible. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated—thanks in advance!

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