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UKPC PCN – signage barely readable at night and address errors – seeking practical advice before appeal


Hi all,

I’ve received a PCN from UK Parking Control (UKPC) for “Not parked correctly within the markings of the bay or space.”

Location: KD Tower, Hemel Hempstead
Date/time: 10/02/2026 at 22:39

I’d really appreciate some advice before I respond, as I’ve noticed a few potential issues:

1 - The address on the PCN appears incorrect: Road is listed as “Cottrells” but it should be “Cotterells”. Postcode given is HP1 1JZ, but KD Tower is HP1 1AZ. So the address is off.

2 - The signage is very difficult to read, especially at night. Their own evidence photos (attached) show the sign is barely legible from ground level at 10:39pm - the 'terms and conditions' bit is very small font. From a driver’s perspective on entry, it’s worse.

Some signage in the area is not properly illuminated (I found one of the lampposts without a working light in the same parking space). The alleged contravention happened at 10:39pm, so visibility is a key factor. I'm thinking I keep these two pictures as evidence for POPLA or now?

The PCN is dated 13/02/2026 and arrived in the post on 20/02/2026. I guess I need to respond by 27th?

I need your help as not sure on what grounds I have/can get defence. I've attached with personal details removed.

Submitted below:

I am the registered keeper and I dispute this parking charge. I deny any liability or contractual agreement.

Your Notice to Keeper (NtK) does not comply with Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 and you cannot transfer liability to the keeper.

The NtK fails to specify the required “period of parking.” It states only a single timestamp, which is not compliant with the statutory requirement. As such, keeper liability does not apply.

Further, the NtK fails to clearly specify the relevant land. The location details are inconsistent and ambiguous:

- The street is stated as “Cottrells,” which does not exist as a legitimate street name. The closest match is Cottrell St (West Bromwich).

- The postcode (HP1 1JZ) corresponds to different locations including Hemel Hempstead Town Cricket Club and Station Road.

There are too many conflicting identifiers resulting in multiple, inconsistent location references. These discrepancies fail to identify a single, clearly defined location, and the NtK is therefore non-compliant.

There will be no admission as to the identity of the driver and no assumptions can be made.

In addition, no contract was formed. The operator is a member of the British Parking Association and must ensure signage is clear and legible. The alleged contravention occurred at 22:39.  If terms cannot be read from a standing position, they cannot be read from a vehicle. I am happy tom provide photographic evidence. The operator’s own photographic evidence demonstrates that the signage is not legible from close view at 22:39, particularly the terms and conditions displayed in small font.

Furthermore, some signage in the area is not illuminated. Partial or even substantial compliance is not sufficient. There will be no admission as to who was driving and no inference or assumptions can be drawn. UKPC has relied on contract law allegations of breach against the driver only. You are urged to cancel this charge.