Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hello all,

I’m seeking advice as the registered keeper regarding a ParkingEye Parking Charge Notice relating to John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford.

Key details:

Operator: ParkingEye Ltd

Location stated: John Radcliffe Hospital – Arterial Road, Oxford

Date of alleged event: 06/01/2026 – 07/01/2026

ANPR times:

Entry: 21:3x

Exit: 02:3x

PCN amount: £100

Appeal window: Missed

Current position: ParkingEye now assert keeper liability under POFA

Context

This PCN relates to a late-night emergency hospital visit.
The driver had to urgently attend A&E, and the vehicle was left in a corner bay adjacent to the emergency department.

The understanding is that this bay is not part of the public pay-and-display car park, and appears to be intended for hospital use rather than general public parking. The public parking facilities are located on a different road, approximately a 10-minute walk away.

Given the late hour and urgent situation, the driver used this location believing it to be the only practical option at the time. The vehicle did not obstruct hospital operations or other vehicles, particularly given the overnight timing.

ParkingEye’s allegation appears to rely solely on ANPR entry/exit timestamps (the evidence in the first letter is very dark and appears to be taken at entry/exit somewhere as it appears the car lights are on and it is not at the point where the car was parked), rather than evidence that the vehicle was parked in:

a public parking area subject to payment, or

a location where ParkingEye had authority to offer parking contracts to members of the public, or

an area with clear and prominent signage communicating contractual terms

I have not identified the driver at any stage and am dealing with this solely as the registered keeper.

My understanding / confirmation sought

My understanding is that no harm has been done by not responding to ParkingEye so far, and that the correct approach is to wait unless and until one of the following is received:

A Letter Before Claim / Letter of Claim, or

A County Court Claim Form from the CCBC

Until then, my assumption is that there is no obligation to respond, and that this does not weaken any future defence.

I would appreciate confirmation from experienced members that this understanding is correct.

Points I would appreciate guidance on



Whether ParkingEye can form a contract in a restricted or hospital-only bay

Reliance on ANPR entry/exit times rather than parking in a managed public car park

Any hospital-specific defence points commonly relied upon

What evidence should be gathered now, should this proceed


No Letter Before Claim or court papers have been received at this stage.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Please post up the original PCN - redact only personal info - show both sides.

Of late, some PE NtK's have been non-PoFA compliant so they may not have the option of keeper liability.