Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi all,

I borrowed my father's car for the day on 8/7/25 (as my car was in for repair) and took it to my gym which has a system where you need to register your car's registration plate for the car park or receive a ticket via ANPR cameras.

As I usually always just drive my own car which is registered with the gym, it didn't cross my mind that I'd need need to register my dad's car and so lo and behold I received a PCN from Civil Enforcement Ltd within 14 days of the contravention. I've checked the POFA guidelines and sadly my POFA is definitely compliant (see pic).

I followed the NEWBIES guide on MSE and messaged the gym to try and get the PCN waived that way. Annoyingly, I received the following generic AI-written platitude:

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Hi [my name],

Thanks for your email, and for being a member of the Club — we really appreciate your support.

I’m sorry to hear about the Parking Charge Notice (PCN), especially as you were here for the right reasons. It’s completely understandable how, with a last-minute vehicle change, registration can slip your mind.

As the car park is managed by Civil Enforcement Ltd, we don’t have the authority to cancel or waive fines ourselves — even in cases like this. The system is fully automated and managed externally to ensure consistent enforcement.

However, you can submit an appeal directly to Civil Enforcement via their website:

👉 https://appeals.ce-service.co.uk

(Instructions will also be printed on the back of the PCN.)

When appealing, we recommend explaining that you’re a member of [my gym], that this was a one-off due to your own car being in for repair, and that your usual vehicle is already registered. You can also upload proof of your membership — this can be found in [my gym] Club app under the “Account” or “Membership” tab.

 I do hope they’ll take a lenient view given the circumstances. If there’s anything else we can help with, just let us know.

Kind regards,

[Operations Manager Name]

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I'm at a bit of a loss on what to do next. As my ticket is POFA compliant, am I correct in thinking the usual approach of appealing based on this and not revealing the driver details wouldn't be successful in this case? Should I instead write an angry e-mail back to the club and insist they cancel the PCN else I will end my membership?

I can't imagine doing what the Operation's Manager suggested (i.e. appealing and begging CE Ltd to kindly cancel the ticket as I'm a gym member) will be successful, but it may be my next best shot?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much everyone!



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Apologies, here it is.

The car park is just for gym members.



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'The creditor does not know both the name of the driver and the current address for service for the driver.

You can therefore choose to pay.....'

Seems clear to me.

OP, you cannot do anything on your own account other than pay because the PCN's not in your name. So, what's your father's take on this? If you're happy to underwrite all of his losses, if any, in full then I'm sure he'll give you authority to dispute.