Hi
I received a PCN from APCOA because I entered the wrong registration number. Admittedly, we had recently changed my wife's car and I entered the registration for her old car rather than the new one. This was at Birmingham Dental Hospital. I asked the Dental Hospital if they would ask APCOA to cancel the ticket, but they claimed "Unfortunately the car park is run by an independent company. You would need to contact APCOA regarding this." They didn't say whether they owned the car park or not. I've yet to contact PALS, but in the meantime I'm up against a 14 day deadline so need all help I can get.
I appealed through APCOA and showed them the voucher I was provided with by the hospital for free blue badge parking and the receipt for entering the registration plate of our previous vehicle. They considered the appeal but advised me it was "unsuccessful". They say "Although we appreciate the evidence provided, the payment has been allocated to a different Vehicle Registration Number (VNR)."
They've given me opportunity to pay £20 to cover admin costs or take to POPLA in which case if I lose I'd be liable for £85.
I see that the BPA has a rule that in these situations for a major keying error, that parking companies must offer an admin fee instead of the full fine if an appeal is unsuccessful but that it is UP TO £20, not exactly £20.
Have they really incurred £20 of admin fees by sending out an automated PCN, having an automated appeals process and then probably one person read my appeal for 2 minutes and then send out a template rejection letter? Is it worth me taking this to POPLA or should I cut my losses and pay the £20?
I know it was my mistake, and I know it's idealistic to think they should be helpful in these situations, but any advice would be appreciated.
One other thing, their letter is dated 24th January but I didn't receive it until today, 27th January. The letter only states "Pay the Parkin Charge Notice at the discounted price of £20 within 14 days" but does not define the starting date. Does this make their letter invalid? If not, when does the 14 days start?
Thanks.
Do you really want to spend your time arguing the toss over whether it should be £1, £5, or £15 rather than £20. I'm generally in favour of fighting PPCs. But for £20?
As stated by @Nosey Parker, it is up to you how you deal with this. If you feel aggrieved enough and have the will to fight it, then fight it. If you want the easy life and don't mind funding these scammers to the tune of £20, your choice again.
Can you show us the PCN with just your personal data, PCN number and VRN redacted. We need to see all dates and also the back of the PCN/NtK.
You say you have implemented Plan A which is to complain to the Dental Hospital. You are in the process of complaining to PALS. I would suggest you find an email address for the CEO of the NHS Trust that operates there and complain to him/her also.
For Plan B, you have already appealed to APCOA. In your appeal, did you appeal as the driver or the registered keeper? In other words, did reveal the identity of the driver? APCOA are notorious for not using PoFA compliant NtKs, which is why we need to see it in order to advise, if you are considering fighting this.
What was the location? Is the signage up to standard and are the terms and conditions prominent and conspicuous?
You have Plan C still available which is an appeal to POPLA. You must understand though, POPLA will not consider any mitigating circumstances. They only look at the law (often incorrectly) and the PPCs ATA Code of Practice to see if the PCN has been issued correctly.
Losing the POPLA appeal does not have any effect on how you wish to proceed beyond and into Plan D which is where a judge decides whether you owe any debt to APCOA.
Hi.
Thanks for the helpful replies. An update from me. PALS agreed to cancel the charge so that's great news. As per the advice given above, if they hadn't done this I'd have just paid the £20 because whilst I'm aggrieved about it, I'm not that aggrieved to risk it going up much higher and losing an appeal to POPLA / court action and all the time I'd have to spend preparing for it.
Thanks.
Well done. Plan A strikes again.
Did you get anything in writing from PALS? It will be worth your while logging on to the PPCs website as though to appeal or pay and see if the PCN is still outstanding or whether it now shows £0 owing.
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