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Private parking tickets / Re: PCN from Nationwide Parking Control
« on: December 16, 2025, 07:34:51 pm »
Hi all,
I wanted to add to this thread as I am currently dealing with Nationwide Parking Control at this exact same location, with two PCNs issued on consecutive days in November 2025. From the photos already uploaded in this thread, I can confirm this is the same site and same signage I am dealing with.
In both cases, the vehicle did not park, but briefly stopped in the lay-by due to an access issue into my block of flats, where my entry fob malfunctioned, before leaving shortly afterwards. On one occasion I remained in the vehicle; on the other I briefly exited it. In both instances the stop was around two minutes. On both days I was unable to gain access through the gate to my apartment complex, which is why the brief stop occurred.
My appeal to NPC set out the following points clearly:
A brief stop of this nature due to access issues or pick-up/set-down is not “parking” and falls within the principles set out in Jopson v Homeguard.
The signage at this location is forbidding in nature (“No parking / no waiting at any time”) and is therefore incapable of forming a contractual offer.
The sign NPC rely on as evidence is not visible from the position where the vehicle stopped. From the lay-by, the only visible sign is on the black metal gate. The sign NPC rely on is positioned around the corner on a brick wall and cannot be seen by a driver from the stopping location.
Any reference to a £100 charge or contractual terms is buried in small print and is not capable of being read or accepted from a moving vehicle or during a brief stop.
As a result, no contract could have been formed, and at most the situation would amount to alleged trespass, which NPC have no standing to pursue.
I also raised concerns about escalation while the matter was in dispute and the failure to properly consider the appeal.
Despite setting this out in detail, NPC have completely ignored the substance of the appeal for both PCNs. There has been no engagement with any of the above points, only template responses followed by escalation and referral to debt collection, even though the charges remain formally disputed.
I have now submitted a formal complaint to the IPC regarding NPC’s conduct at this site. Despite that complaint being live, I am still receiving debt collection letters, which I understand is a common pressure tactic but nevertheless concerning given the circumstances.
Given how closely this mirrors what has already been discussed in this thread, and the fact that PCNs were issued regardless of whether the driver remained in the vehicle or briefly exited it, this appears to be a systemic enforcement issue at this site, rather than an isolated case.
At this point, I’m really looking for advice from more experienced members here. I’m trying to understand:
whether NPC would realistically take a case like this to court,
whether, based on the above, they would actually have a viable claim,
and whether it is sensible to simply let the matter run its course if they choose to escalate.
I’ll be honest — I’m extremely frustrated by the way this has been handled and the continued debt collection despite a live IPC complaint. I am prepared to defend this if it does go to court, and I believe my case is strong, but I’d value views from those who have seen similar cases play out.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed earlier — this thread has been very helpful.
I wanted to add to this thread as I am currently dealing with Nationwide Parking Control at this exact same location, with two PCNs issued on consecutive days in November 2025. From the photos already uploaded in this thread, I can confirm this is the same site and same signage I am dealing with.
In both cases, the vehicle did not park, but briefly stopped in the lay-by due to an access issue into my block of flats, where my entry fob malfunctioned, before leaving shortly afterwards. On one occasion I remained in the vehicle; on the other I briefly exited it. In both instances the stop was around two minutes. On both days I was unable to gain access through the gate to my apartment complex, which is why the brief stop occurred.
My appeal to NPC set out the following points clearly:
A brief stop of this nature due to access issues or pick-up/set-down is not “parking” and falls within the principles set out in Jopson v Homeguard.
The signage at this location is forbidding in nature (“No parking / no waiting at any time”) and is therefore incapable of forming a contractual offer.
The sign NPC rely on as evidence is not visible from the position where the vehicle stopped. From the lay-by, the only visible sign is on the black metal gate. The sign NPC rely on is positioned around the corner on a brick wall and cannot be seen by a driver from the stopping location.
Any reference to a £100 charge or contractual terms is buried in small print and is not capable of being read or accepted from a moving vehicle or during a brief stop.
As a result, no contract could have been formed, and at most the situation would amount to alleged trespass, which NPC have no standing to pursue.
I also raised concerns about escalation while the matter was in dispute and the failure to properly consider the appeal.
Despite setting this out in detail, NPC have completely ignored the substance of the appeal for both PCNs. There has been no engagement with any of the above points, only template responses followed by escalation and referral to debt collection, even though the charges remain formally disputed.
I have now submitted a formal complaint to the IPC regarding NPC’s conduct at this site. Despite that complaint being live, I am still receiving debt collection letters, which I understand is a common pressure tactic but nevertheless concerning given the circumstances.
Given how closely this mirrors what has already been discussed in this thread, and the fact that PCNs were issued regardless of whether the driver remained in the vehicle or briefly exited it, this appears to be a systemic enforcement issue at this site, rather than an isolated case.
At this point, I’m really looking for advice from more experienced members here. I’m trying to understand:
whether NPC would realistically take a case like this to court,
whether, based on the above, they would actually have a viable claim,
and whether it is sensible to simply let the matter run its course if they choose to escalate.
I’ll be honest — I’m extremely frustrated by the way this has been handled and the continued debt collection despite a live IPC complaint. I am prepared to defend this if it does go to court, and I believe my case is strong, but I’d value views from those who have seen similar cases play out.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed earlier — this thread has been very helpful.