Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hello all - I had some brilliant help on the PePiPoo forums a few years back, and now that has gone, I'm hoping that I can find help here.

I've just received the attached from NSGL regarding an alleged parking contravention at the University of Gloucestershire. The driver was attending an event with a child, the event was being run by a local development company called 'Golden Valley' alongside the University of Gloucestershire. I don't have a ticket to show for this event as it was fully booked, however, I have texts on messenger from somebody at the development company telling me they'd put my name on the door and we could attend. On arrival at the event the driver specifically asked the receptionist about parking and whether they were okay to park in the car park. The lady advised the driver that the "system was turned off" and it was fine to park.

I realise this is a slightly unusual situation, and so (with substantial help from ChatGPT) I have drafted the following. Please could you guys cast your expert eyes over it in light of the information above, and let me know if this is okay or if I should make any changes. Thank you very much in advance for your help with this, it will be much appreciated!

(My apologies, but I don't have any images showing the signage in the car park as we live quite a long way away from there.)

Dear NSGL Parking,

I am writing as the registered keeper of vehicle XXXXXXXX in relation to the above Parking Charge Notice.

The driver of the vehicle was attending an event at Gloucestershire College, arranged by Golden Valley, on the evening of 25th March 2025. Upon arrival, the driver specifically enquired at reception about parking arrangements and was informed by the receptionist that the parking system was not in operation and that parking was permitted for the event. The driver acted in good faith based on this assurance by a representative of the landholder.

As such, there was no intention to breach any parking terms, and indeed, no contract can be formed when permission to park was explicitly granted by site staff.

I request that this charge be cancelled immediately on the basis of:
– Lack of clear and enforceable contract
– Reasonable reliance on direct instruction from an authorised representative
– Failure to meet keeper liability under POFA 2012

Please consider this a formal appeal. Kindly confirm cancellation or provide a POPLA code for escalation.

Yours faithfully,

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Which campus were you at? I probably can get pictures of the signs if you need them

@b789  Thank you so much for your reply. The front page of the Charge Notice was on my OP, and the second page is now attached to this one. I've not complained to the university yet - if you think that is the best port of call, I can do that, but it'd be hard to do so without identifying myself, if that'd be an issue later.....?

@ disgruntchelt  Thanks loads re the offer on signage - I'll keep that in mind, it's v kind of you!

Complaining to the landowner is always the best course of action. Especially in a case where representatives of the landowner specifically told you it was okay to park.

You can identify yourself as the keeper of a vehicle being pursued for a parking charge without creating any issues down the line.

Thank you both - I've written to the University and will let you know the outcome!