Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi all,

I have looked through other posts so if I have missed a relevant one which would answer my query please link!

In Dec 2025 my car was used to drop off at southampton parkway train station. The driver sat in the car for a few minutes, in the 20 minute drop off point.

I received a penalty notice from apcoa just after Christmas. I ignored it, as I have since lost a parent and been in hospital myself.

The notice shows 2 pictures both times at 10.07am. The driver didn't park and doesn't understand the liablility for any charges as the time stamp on both pictures is the same.

I am now being chased, as the owner, by QDR solicitors, with threats of enforcement if I don't pay, and a follow up letter from GCTT enforcement agents. QDR are now calling also.

The driver only used the waiting area, to drop off a passenger, but the wording is use of a private car park without a permit. Did the driver turn around in an area crossing a point where charges become liable? Further visits to the station show there are no signs to suggest this is the case. The car park and waiting area there are busy at the best of times and the driver may have had to drive further in to turn around but doesn't believe so.

I have had no contact with apcoa or QDR regarding this, what are the options for this as it is a PN rather than a PCN? Is the time stamp on both pictures being exactly the same relevant as in this doesn't demonstrate any actual use of the car park?

letters with identifying details blanked out here







Thank you for any advise! This shouldn't have been ignored but that can't be changed now!

11th December 2025, sorry I missed that!

So do I not acknowledge this at all? What happens if they continue to chase/ take court action? I am getting letters from GCTT who are certified enforcement agents, as well as from QDR.

Thank you for your reply!

11th December 2025, sorry I missed that!

So do I not acknowledge this at all? What happens if they continue to chase/ take court action? I am getting letters from GCTT who are certified enforcement agents, as well as from QDR.

Thank you for your reply!

Also to add this is a penalty notice rather than a PCN, does the same advise apply?
Thank you!

Letter from QDR .. thought I had included this in the original images!

Yes, ignore, they’re just debt collectors dressed up as solicitors. GCTT likewise. Debt collectors have no power other than trying to frighten you with words and red ink.

If it were a different parking company, we would advise waiting for a Letter of Claim from a solicitor, but our experience with APCOA is that they won’t do this. If they do, come back here.

That would also require them to switch horses to a civil claim, which we’ve seen in the past, but is less likely to happen here.