Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi all, hoping for some guidance on a PCN I've received as the hirer of the vehicle.

The PCN was issued by APCOA Parking, dated 11th March 2026, for alleged use of the Pick Up / Drop Off Zone at Manchester Airport Terminal 2 West, Ground Floor, without making a valid payment. The alleged breach was 20th February 2026, entry at 16:09 and exit at 16:12 — a stay of approximately 3 minutes. The charge is £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days of issue.

When the driver realised payment hadn't been made, they attempted to pay retrospectively approximately 36 hours after the incident. However, the payment system would not facilitate a late payment. The airport was also contacted directly, but confirmed there was nothing they could do.
The notice was then sent to the registered keeper's address rather than directly to me as hirer, and was passed on to me with some delay — meaning the early payment window had already closed by the time I received it, through no fault of my own.

I have not yet responded to APCOA or made any payment. I'd welcome advice on the best grounds for appeal, particularly given the very short duration of the stop (3 minutes), the good-faith attempt to pay retrospectively, and the delay in receiving the notice.

Thanks in advance.

No, this was all I received, it was forwarded from my work.

Would you advise appealing or just ignoring? Any suggested wording for the appeal?

Thanks!

Is this the same vehicle as your other thread? Is the notice addressed to you or the company?