Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hello,

Thanks in advance for any advice.

On 28 May 2026, I went to Vets for Pets to pick up treatment for my cat. When I arrived, I followed the sign that says "Customer Parking" and parked at the rear as directed.

I parked in one of the bays where there were no markings or signs indicating that it was residential parking or that any special restrictions applied. Because of this, I believed I was parked correctly as a customer of the practice.

I later received a Parking Charge Notice from PCM. I appealed, explaining that I was a genuine customer, had followed the customer parking signage, and that there was nothing obvious to indicate that the bay I used was restricted.

I also spoke to Vets for Pets, who told me that this happens quite often and that they have raised concerns about it before because customers regularly get caught out by the parking arrangements.

PCM rejected my appeal. What surprised me is that they didn't say the bay was residential. Instead, they said the charge was issued because I hadn't registered a valid virtual parking session.

I contacted Vets for Pets again after receiving the rejection and they told me that customers are not required to register a parking session. They have agreed to send me an email confirming this, along with confirmation that I was a genuine customer on the day.

I'm planning to appeal to the IAS and would appreciate any thoughts on whether I have a reasonable chance of success.

I've attached PCM's rejection letter, along with photos of the customer parking sign and the bay where I parked.


Thanks for any help.

Thank you for the reply, what would be the best recourse in this case, I am not sure on how to approach these kind of situations. If I was at fault I wouldn't mind just paying, but in this case it seems just predatory.