Free Traffic Legal Advice

Wanted to check this is okay before I send it.

Dear Sir/Madam,
A heartfelt plea for your kind consideration is being made regarding a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) issued by Euro Car Parks concerning the vehicle registration .....

This matter has recently escalated to a final notification for an outstanding amount, and the individual hoping for your intervention sincerely wishes you might be able to extend some kindness in this situation.

It has unfortunately come to light that all previous correspondence concerning this PCN, including the initial Notice to Keeper (NTK), was sent to an outdated address. This genuine oversight meant that the individual responsible for the vehicle was entirely unaware of the PCN, or any preceding communications, until very recently. It is acknowledged that while the driving licence was updated with the DVLA, the V5C (log book) for the vehicle was regrettably overlooked at that specific time. Immediate action has now been taken to rectify this with the DVLA.

It is important to convey that there was every intention for the vehicle to be parked in accordance with regulations, and a valid parking ticket was indeed purchased for 4 hours. The alleged discrepancy appears to stem from the time taken to find a suitable parking space upon entry to the car park. It is common practice for motorists to be afforded a reasonable observation period to locate a space before purchasing a ticket. During this time, active efforts were being made to find an available bay, and importantly, a young 5-year-old child was present. For the child's safety, it was imperative that they not be left unattended, particularly while moving around or before safely parking. As soon as a space became free, the vehicle was safely parked, and the ticket was immediately purchased. The delay was thus a direct consequence of the car park's occupancy and the necessary process of safely locating a parking bay, especially while ensuring the safety of a young child.

As a single parent, the unexpected demand for £170.00 represents a substantial and significant financial burden. This amount is genuinely difficult to manage and would cause considerable hardship.

A compassionate consideration of this matter is respectfully requested. Given that there was genuine unawareness of the PCN until now due to correspondence being sent to an incorrect address, and considering the circumstances surrounding the purchase of the ticket, it is believed that it is fundamentally unfair that the opportunity to challenge the charge was initially denied.

It would be immensely grateful if you would be able to use your discretion as landowners to have this Parking Charge Notice squashed. Your kindness and understanding in this situation would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,

Okay thank you.

Sorry, I was going to but i thought it would be admission of guilt and go against me later on. I will try to contact them.

Hi can I please check do I email the data request from my own personal email address or sent it the post?

Many thanks!

The new home owner at my old address gave them to my ex husband when he went to collect his own mail.

So I send the data change request to ECP not DRP?

Thanks for your help.

Hi everyone,
I'm feeling incredibly stressed and could really use some advice from anyone who's been through something similar. I've found myself in a really difficult situation with a private Parking Charge Notice (PCN) and now a debt recovery agency is involved.
Here's what happened:
I received a "FINAL NOTIFICATION LETTER" from Euro Car Parks for a PCN issued on 22/02/2025.The amount is now £170.00, being pursued by debt collectors.
The huge problem is that I was completely unaware of this PCN, or any previous letters, until very recently. All the correspondence was sent to an outdated address. I had updated my driving licence with the DVLA around  but I honestly overlooked updating the V5C (log book) for my vehicle at that specific time. I've since rectified this and my V5C is now updated.
This means I was genuinely denied the chance to appeal or pay any reduced amount, which is incredibly frustrating.
Regarding the actual incident:
The PCN claims "The P&D/permit purchased did not cover the date and time of parking." However, I did purchase a valid 4-hour parking ticket
The issue is likely due to the time taken to find a space. I entered the car park and had to spend a considerable amount of time waiting for a suitable parking bay to become available. It's common for there to be an "observation period" to find a space. Crucially, I had my 5-year-old son with me, and for his safety, I couldn't leave him unattended while I drove around looking for a space, or go to the machine before parking properly. As soon as a space was free, I parked safely and went straight to get the ticket. My intention was always to pay, and I did.
I also understand that the BPA (British Parking Association) Code of Practice generally allows for a grace period. While this is usually at the end of parking, it acknowledges that a reasonable amount of time is needed for ingress and egress.
My current situation:
As a single parent, an unexpected demand for £170.00 is a significant financial burden and would cause considerable hardship. I've drafted a detailed letter to Euro Car Parks, asking them to reconsider and allow my appeal, explaining the address issue and the details of the parking incident. I've attached my parking ticket, proof of address change, and V5C update info.
My questions for the group:
 * Has anyone successfully appealed a PCN with Euro Car Parks after the appeal window closed due to an outdated address? What was your experience?
 * How aggressive are debt collectors for private PCNs? What should I expect, and what are my rights?
 * Is there anything else I should include in my appeal letter or be aware of when dealing with Euro Car Parks or the debt collectors?
 

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