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Hi all,

I've received a Notice to Hirer PCN from Horizon Parking, and I would really appreciate some help and advice before I take further action.

Background:

The alleged contravention took place at a petrol station that I use regularly. I'm an Uber driver, and due to my airport runs, I often stop at this location multiple times a day as it's ideally situated for:

Filling up on fuel

Topping up tire pressure

Using the personal vacuums provided

Occasionally buying items from the shop inside

I do not use the location for general parking, as I'm aware of the 20-minute time limit, and have always been careful to stick to that.

On the day in question:

I used multiple services offered at the petrol station.

I have bank statement evidence showing purchases made on the day, which support that I was a paying customer. Note: The bank statement date appears as 5th August, but this refers to purchases made on the 4th. I will attach a full view of the transaction which, when clicked on, shows the correct transaction date (4th August).

I suspect I may have returned to the site more than once in a short timeframe, which could be why this PCN was issued.

The signage with the T&Cs is not easily visible, though I will admit I am familiar with the time restriction from past visits and do try to follow it carefully.

This is the first time I've had any issue at this location, despite frequent visits. I’m currently planning to raise a formal complaint with the petrol station operators, as I believe this charge is unfair – especially given that I was actively using their paid services and not misusing their parking area as i have done in a similar case before and it worked .

However, before I proceed, I thought it best to seek advice from this forum first, in case there are steps I should be taking now regarding Horizon Parking or any templates that might apply (e.g. BVRLA guidance, hire car rules, POFA compliance, etc.).

I have attached:

Photos/scans of the PCN

Photos of the terms and conditions/signage from the location

Relevant info from my bank statement (with sensitive details redacted)

Any advice on how to proceed with appealing this or getting it cancelled would be massively appreciated. I’d also be grateful if anyone could confirm whether the PCN is compliant and enforceable, especially given it’s a Notice to Hirer.

Thanks in advance for your time and help!

location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gnPVDj9C2kBkZ1Ey7
Images: https://imgur.com/a/VGJKsNb

Thanks again for the guidance — I’ve now read through the forum guide you linked and understand the importance of not revealing who was driving.

To clarify my earlier post: while I may have used “I” a lot when describing the events, I haven’t made any formal contact with Horizon or anyone else in writing. I haven’t identified the driver at any stage.

All that has happened so far is:

I received the Notice to Hirer today (04/09/2025).

On my way to a job earlier today, I briefly stopped by the petrol station to try and find a contact email or number for the site operator to potentially raise a complaint.

I only asked the person there about who to contact regarding a PCN and didn’t give any details or discuss the incident.

I haven’t submitted any appeals or correspondence to Horizon at all.

In response to your other question — nothing else came with the Notice to Hirer. It was just the single-page letter titled Parking Charge Notice to Hirer (which I've already attached in the thread). There were:

No copy of the Notice to Keeper

No copy of the hire agreement

No copy of a statement of liability signed by me (the hirer)

Hi all,

Thanks again for the guidance so far — especially around Horizon's non-compliance with PoFA 2012 Schedule 4.

Based on what you've told me, I've drafted the following appeal to send to Horizon Parking as the hirer (not the driver). I haven’t submitted it yet and would appreciate any final feedback before I do.

Draft Appeal to Horizon Parking:

Subject: Appeal against PCN – Notice to Hirer – [PCN Number]

Dear Horizon Parking,

I am the hirer of the vehicle and I dispute your 'parking charge'. I deny any liability or contractual agreement and will be making a formal complaint about this predatory and unfair charge to your client (the landowner).

Your Notice to Hirer fails to comply with the strict requirements of Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA). Specifically, it was not accompanied by:

A copy of the Notice to Keeper

A copy of the hire agreement

A statement of liability signed by the hirer

Partial or substantial compliance is not sufficient. Because these documents were not included, you have no right under PoFA 2012 to transfer liability to the hirer.

There will be no admission as to the identity of the driver, and no assumptions or inferences can be made. You may not pursue the hirer under contract law without the proper legal basis to do so.

Your Notice to Hirer can only hold the driver liable, and I will not be naming them. If you believe otherwise, I suggest you test your position at POPLA, where I will be making a strong submission based on your non-compliance.

You are urged to cancel this Parking Charge Notice now and avoid wasting further time.



Questions for the forum:

Does the above appeal look good to send to Horizon? Anything you'd change or add?

I’m also considering contacting Rontec, who operate the petrol station where this happened. I’ve had success in the past with a restaurant PCN — I contacted them directly and they cancelled it without needing proof.

In this case, I plan to attach the PCN and a redacted bank statement showing purchases made on the same day, and submit it through Rontec’s website as a complaint.

Would you recommend going ahead with that? I’ve already drafted a professional and polite message for Rontec and can post it here if helpful.

Thanks again for your help — I really appreciate the time and advice.

Hi all,

Just a quick update and huge thanks to everyone here for the guidance — especially around Horizon’s failure to comply with PoFA 2012 Schedule 4.

I used the appeal format discussed in my earlier post, clearly stating I was the hirer (not the driver), and pointed out their non-compliance. I also attached receipts from the day of the incident, while making it clear that these did not identify the driver — and that I had no intention of doing so.

Horizon has now responded and cancelled the charge as a “gesture of goodwill”. Here’s what they said:

"Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the above Parking Charge, which we have reviewed.

I can confirm as a gesture of goodwill the Parking Charge has now been cancelled and no further action will be taken in this matter.

Please note that further Parking Charges may not be cancelled."

Whether it was goodwill or just them avoiding a losing battle, I’ll take it — and I wouldn't have got there without this forum.

Thanks again!

Consider this case closed.