Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hi there!

Looking for some advice as to how best to approach this PCN I received as the keeper of the vehicle.

On 19th July, the driver entered the car park, found a parking space, parked up and entered the premises and proceeded to check-in, unload the car, go up to the room, etc. The driver didn't realise until the morning of departure (20th July) that they needed to pay for parking upon arrival: the signage in the car park was poorly lit and the signage inside the premises was tucked around to the left and out of eyeshot when the primary focus is checking in - for which the kiosks were straight ahead. On the morning of departure, the driver did pay for parking (albeit only 15 minutes) to show reasonableness in attempting to correct the mistake prior to leaving, rather than leaving without paying at all.

It's worth noting that I'm not one to skip paying for parking where I know I need to pay, both as the driver and the registered keeper of the vehicle.

I've attached a scan of the PCN with personal details omitted, for reference.

Final note, I am opening to paying the £60 reduced fee if people think it's not worth contesting.

Thanks in advance!

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The invitation and to name the driver are there in the third paragraph.

The premier Inn location might well be on the Airport Land, and if so it is not private land and would be considered to be covered by bylaws.

Oops...now updated 

Don't believe this will be on the airport grounds as it appears to be well to the South, but you never know!

https://www.gatwickairport.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-Gatwick-Library/default/dw5fa1fcde/images/Corporate-PDFs/Masterplan/Gatwick_Airport_Masterplan_2019.pdf PLAN 4 page 159 shows a map and, no, it appears that Fleming Way is a E-W road to the south of the airport limits.

https://www.ftla.uk/private-parking-tickets/parking-kfc-gatwick-met-parking-services/msg41679/#msg41679 contains a copy of the map also.

On the morning of departure, the driver did pay for parking (albeit only 15 minutes) to show reasonableness in attempting to correct the mistake prior to leaving, rather than leaving without paying at all.

This part of the opening post stands out to me - is there a reason that the driver only paid for 15 minutes, rather than a tariff that matched the length of time they had stayed?

The PPSCoP was changed recently so that as long as payment for the period of parking was made, irrespective of whether that was on entry or exit, no PCN should be issued. I reckon they just went after you because you only paid for 15 min parking instead of whatever the tariff should have been.

However, if you only have the cancellation promise by phone, you will need to get some written confirmation of this as you will not be the first person where they are suddenly surprised, several months down the road, when they start receiving debt recovery letters or a Letter of Claim (LoC), because whoever you spoke ti was then distracted and forgot to actually do the cancellation deed.