UKPC had issued me a charge (three separate ones for the three consecutive days I was parked at a bay) for not displaying a visitor's permit, despite having one in the dashboard display whilst I was parked there visiting my family. I appealed explaining that they need to drop the charge as they clearly don't know how to check for a permit on a dashboard, and the photos provided show my car at a distance and the dashboard up close but too dark to even see inside it. My appeal contained a photo of the visitor permit that I used at the time.
They eventually dropped the charges but reduced it to £20 as opposed to the potential £180. The problem is that i've only started to look at this letter sometime after they issued it to me and realised the 35 day period to respond has now lapsed. They initially gave me the choice to either pay the £20, or appeal to POPLA which may reject my appeal and have to pay an increased fine of £100. They forwarded the case to the bailiffs (dcbl) and now have letters demanding a payment of £170!
I need to know what my next move is, as I don't think I should pay these people a single penny for a mistake that I haven't done! The visitor's permit was on the dashboard during the time I was parked there and i'm being penalised for it! If I pay these people, what would stop them from penalising me again?
Citizens advice suggested seeking legal advice, and dispute this in court.
Is there a better way?
Appreciate any sort of advice! Thanks.
