Author Topic: UKPC - Notice To Keeper - Parked on double yellow line on road and not in car park  (Read 2521 times)

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Hi All,

Need some advice here please.


Registered keeper received a letter on 12/10/24 (see attachments) stating vehicle was parked on double yellow line. As far as I know and have checked, this is a public road owned by the developers of the site and not a car park.


Please is there grounds for a successful appeal based on the below:


1. The terms and conditions clearly relates to a private car park but this is on a public road. Will this wording suffice and make a difference?


2. The postcode on the fine states PO7 3BX however, based on the NTK and from google map, the car was parked at PO7 3BE (see attachment "Actual location of car and PO7 3BE boundary").
From https://www.doogal.co.uk/UPRN?postcode=PO7%203BX, there are 13 properties in this postcode and none relates to where the car was allegedly parked.


Attachments here: https://imgur.com/a/zJEP01D

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It is obvious that the Notice to Keeper (NtK) does not satisfactorily state the relevant land for the purposes of PoFA. Not that any appeal to UKPC or even POPLA is likely to succeed.

Do not pay as this will most likely end up as a Court claim which will eventually be discontinued  some time early next year.
« Last Edit: October 16, 2024, 01:07:28 am by DWMB2 »
Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience” - Mark Twain

Do you have any photos of the signage at the site? It's very often rubbish at these sort of private road set ups.

Another thing to check is whether the site is indeed a private road and not an adopted highway.

We can help with appeals etc. If they are unsuccessful then as b789 notes, this will probably end up in a court claim being issued. A pattern has emerged with UKPC where they eventually discontinue any claim that is defended. Nobody can (or should) offer you any guarantees, as past conduct does not guarantee future conduct, but based on their track record there's a very strong chance. Some entertaining reading to be found on the matter here: DCB LEGAL RECORD OF PRIVATE PARKING COURT CLAIM DISCONTINUATIONS

That whole estate appears to be infested with UKPC signs. However, are you sure that those roads in the estate are under statutory control? Are they maintained privately or does the local authority maintain them?

Is the road covered under the Traffic Management Act 2004?

You can confirm whether the road is public or private by checking with the local authority's highway department. Some councils also maintain online maps or lists of adopted roads. If the road is “adopted”, then it is under statutory control and there can be no Keeper liability, no matter how UKPC try to mendaciously suggest otherwise in their NtK.
Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience” - Mark Twain

Do you have any photos of the signage at the site? It's very often rubbish at these sort of private road set ups.

Another thing to check is whether the site is indeed a private road and not an adopted highway.

We can help with appeals etc. If they are unsuccessful then as b789 notes, this will probably end up in a court claim being issued. A pattern has emerged with UKPC where they eventually discontinue any claim that is defended. Nobody can (or should) offer you any guarantees, as past conduct does not guarantee future conduct, but based on their track record there's a very strong chance. Some entertaining reading to be found on the matter here: DCB LEGAL RECORD OF PRIVATE PARKING COURT CLAIM DISCONTINUATIONS

Thanks for your reply. I tried unsuccessfully to attach the signage to my post but it is the last picture in the imgur url https://imgur.com/a/zJEP01D

I just checked https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/searchesrightscharges/maintainedroads/maintainedroadsearch and looks like the road is unadopted and not maintained at public expense.



That whole estate appears to be infested with UKPC signs. However, are you sure that those roads in the estate are under statutory control? Are they maintained privately or does the local authority maintain them?

Is the road covered under the Traffic Management Act 2004?

You can confirm whether the road is public or private by checking with the local authority's highway department. Some councils also maintain online maps or lists of adopted roads. If the road is “adopted”, then it is under statutory control and there can be no Keeper liability, no matter how UKPC try to mendaciously suggest otherwise in their NtK.

Thanks for your reply.

I just checked https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/searchesrightscharges/maintainedroads/maintainedroadsearch and looks like the road is unadopted and not maintained at public expense by the local authority.

How best do you suggest i appeal this and can you please provide a template for it?

Whatever you submit for the initial appeal will be rejected, but there are other things you can throw in at POPLA that may have a better chance (although POPLA may not agree, as is their way  ;D ) - I can fish out an initial appeal for you to use later, unless b789 beats me to it.

A couple of initial observations that we can throw in later down the line at POPLA:

Entrance Signage
The entrance appears to be here. The positioning of that sign is such that it could easily be missed - prominent entrance signage is important in all 'car parks', but even more important in cases like this, where there is no obvious indicator that you are leaving the publicly maintained highway and entering private land subject to parking controls.

Forbidding Signage
For a contract to exist there must be a number of elements including; an offer, consideration (both sides must exchange something of value), and acceptance. The signage you have showed us simply prohibits parking or waiting - no consideration is offered to park on certain terms. Without this, no contract can exist and you can argue this is simply an unenforceable penalty.

No Parking on Yellow Lines
For what purpose was the driver stopped on the yellow lines, and for how long? Loading/unloading of passengers is generally allowed on double yellow lines, it is waiting that is not allowed. Setting down or dropping off passengers is different to parking, so depending what happened an argument can be made that the vehicle was not parked.

No Stopping or Waiting
The signage indicates a prohibition on stopping or waiting - how on earth is a motorist supposed to read the terms and conditions of the alleged contract and decide whether he accepts them if he is not allowed to stop? Someone cannot be bound by a contract if he has not had the opportunity to acquaint himself with the terms.

Interesting that the whole estate is unadopted. There appears to be statutory signage as required under the Traffic Management Act. Looking at GSV, there do not appear to be any signs that indicate the driver is entering private property that is managed by UKPC.



That is the first sign on entering the estate and it is not compliant with the requirements of the BPA Code of Practice (CoP) for entrance signs. As it is sign with restrictions, it does not conform with requirements for readability from a moving vehicle.

This whole estate appears have public roads. You need to clarify the following in order to determine what is actually going on at this location:

Quote
1. Check with the Local Authority:

Contact the local council (often the Highways or Planning department) to inquire whether the roads are considered public highways or are subject to any specific statutory regulations. Even if the roads are unadopted, the local authority may have powers under certain statutes (like the Highways Act 1980 or Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984) to impose restrictions or make Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) affecting the estate.

Ask for clarification on whether any TROs have been made that apply to these roads. If TROs are in place, statutory enforcement (such as parking or stopping restrictions) might apply despite the roads being unadopted.

2. Search for Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs):

Local authorities can issue Traffic Regulation Orders that apply to both adopted and unadopted roads. These orders can impose parking, stopping, or traffic restrictions on private roads open to the public.

Many councils publish TROs on their websites. Check the local council’s website for public notices or TRO registers.

You can also ask the council directly if any TROs have been made for the estate’s roads. If so, the restrictions would be legally enforceable under statutory law.

3. Check the Land Registry Records:

Obtain the Land Registry title documents for the estate. These documents can reveal who owns the roads and whether any public rights of way or legal agreements, like easements, have been granted that could impose statutory obligations or rights on the roads.

If public rights of way exist over the unadopted roads, there may be statutory obligations related to maintaining or regulating the roads.

4. Review Planning Permissions and Agreements (Section 106 or 38 Agreements):

Planning agreements made under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980 might contain provisions about how roads within an estate are managed. These agreements could require certain public access or maintenance obligations that involve statutory control.

Contact the council’s planning department to request details of any Section 106 agreements related to the estate’s development. These agreements can also include obligations for roads to be brought up to an adoptable standard, which could affect whether statutory law applies in the future.

5. Review Any Byelaws:

Check if the local council has enacted any byelaws that cover the estate. Some councils, especially in cases of new towns or regeneration areas, may have special byelaws in place that regulate traffic, parking, or stopping on unadopted roads.

Byelaws are typically published on the local council’s website or can be requested from the legal services department.

6. Consult Relevant Local Acts or Orders:

Some areas, particularly those with significant regeneration or new developments, may be governed by local acts or orders (e.g., New Town Acts) that impose statutory controls over roads within specific areas. You can inquire with the council or consult local archives to check if any such special legislative provisions apply to the estate.

8. Check Public Access Rights:

Statutory provisions often apply to roads or areas where the public has a legal right of access. Even if a road is privately owned and unadopted, if the public has a general right of access (or has used the road without restriction for a period, potentially creating a public right of way), some statutory controls, like road safety or parking enforcement laws, might still apply.

I seriously doubt that those roads in that estate are not covered by some statute or other.

Here is a suggested draft of an email or letter you should send to the council:

Quote
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Statutory Controls on Roads in Berewood Estate, Waterlooville (Marellsmoore Avenue)

Dear [Council Official or Department Name],

I am writing to inquire about the status of the roads within the Berewood Estate, Waterlooville, specifically focusing on Marellsmoore Avenue. I would like to understand whether there are any statutory controls or Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) governing these roads.

I am particularly concerned about the activities of an unregulated private parking company (UKPC), which is issuing Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) to motorists within the estate. UKPC is presenting these PCNs under the guise of enforcing traffic offences, such as stopping or parking on yellow lines, and they claim the ability to hold vehicle keepers liable under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA).

To ensure a clear understanding of the legal framework governing these roads, I would be grateful if you could confirm the following:

Are the roads in the Berewood Estate, specifically Marellsmoore Avenue, subject to any statutory controls or Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) issued by Hampshire County Council or any other statutory authority?

If so, could you provide details of any such orders or controls, including how they might affect parking enforcement on these roads?

Does Hampshire County Council have any role in regulating the parking arrangements or enforcement practices on these unadopted roads within the estate?

Your clarification would be helpful, as it will assist in understanding the legal position regarding the private parking company’s enforcement practices and whether they align with any statutory or contractual regulations in place.

Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
« Last Edit: October 16, 2024, 10:21:03 am by b789 »
Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience” - Mark Twain

The Parking Charge Date is 1 October, therefore the Single Code of Practice applies in all areas except signage.

In particular:

8.2.2. A reduction of a minimum of 40% must be offered where payment is made within 14 days of [in this case] ..the issue of the Notice to Keeper where the first notice is sent through the post.

However, the Notice to Keeper states that 'UKPC will accept the reduced sum of Ł60 if payment is received within 14 days of the date of this parking charge.

Parking Charge date - 1 October.
Date of Notice to Keeper - 4 October.(Friday).
Presumed date of service under the Code of Practice (Note 2 to para. 8.1.2 refers) - 8 October.

IMO, the NTK does not comply with the creditor's Code of Practice - it denies the keeper 7 days or half of the discount period - and therefore POPLA should allow an appeal on this point.
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Interesting that the whole estate is unadopted. There appears to be statutory signage as required under the Traffic Management Act. Looking at GSV, there do not appear to be any signs that indicate the driver is entering private property that is managed by UKPC.



That is the first sign on entering the estate and it is not compliant with the requirements of the BPA Code of Practice (CoP) for entrance signs. As it is sign with restrictions, it does not conform with requirements for readability from a moving vehicle.

This whole estate appears have public roads. You need to clarify the following in order to determine what is actually going on at this location:

Quote
1. Check with the Local Authority:

Contact the local council (often the Highways or Planning department) to inquire whether the roads are considered public highways or are subject to any specific statutory regulations. Even if the roads are unadopted, the local authority may have powers under certain statutes (like the Highways Act 1980 or Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984) to impose restrictions or make Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) affecting the estate.

Ask for clarification on whether any TROs have been made that apply to these roads. If TROs are in place, statutory enforcement (such as parking or stopping restrictions) might apply despite the roads being unadopted.

2. Search for Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs):

Local authorities can issue Traffic Regulation Orders that apply to both adopted and unadopted roads. These orders can impose parking, stopping, or traffic restrictions on private roads open to the public.

Many councils publish TROs on their websites. Check the local council’s website for public notices or TRO registers.

You can also ask the council directly if any TROs have been made for the estate’s roads. If so, the restrictions would be legally enforceable under statutory law.

3. Check the Land Registry Records:

Obtain the Land Registry title documents for the estate. These documents can reveal who owns the roads and whether any public rights of way or legal agreements, like easements, have been granted that could impose statutory obligations or rights on the roads.

If public rights of way exist over the unadopted roads, there may be statutory obligations related to maintaining or regulating the roads.

4. Review Planning Permissions and Agreements (Section 106 or 38 Agreements):

Planning agreements made under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 or Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980 might contain provisions about how roads within an estate are managed. These agreements could require certain public access or maintenance obligations that involve statutory control.

Contact the council’s planning department to request details of any Section 106 agreements related to the estate’s development. These agreements can also include obligations for roads to be brought up to an adoptable standard, which could affect whether statutory law applies in the future.

5. Review Any Byelaws:

Check if the local council has enacted any byelaws that cover the estate. Some councils, especially in cases of new towns or regeneration areas, may have special byelaws in place that regulate traffic, parking, or stopping on unadopted roads.

Byelaws are typically published on the local council’s website or can be requested from the legal services department.

6. Consult Relevant Local Acts or Orders:

Some areas, particularly those with significant regeneration or new developments, may be governed by local acts or orders (e.g., New Town Acts) that impose statutory controls over roads within specific areas. You can inquire with the council or consult local archives to check if any such special legislative provisions apply to the estate.

8. Check Public Access Rights:

Statutory provisions often apply to roads or areas where the public has a legal right of access. Even if a road is privately owned and unadopted, if the public has a general right of access (or has used the road without restriction for a period, potentially creating a public right of way), some statutory controls, like road safety or parking enforcement laws, might still apply.

I seriously doubt that those roads in that estate are not covered by some statute or other.

Here is a suggested draft of an email or letter you should send to the council:

Quote
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Statutory Controls on Roads in Berewood Estate, Waterlooville (Marellsmoore Avenue)

Dear [Council Official or Department Name],

I am writing to inquire about the status of the roads within the Berewood Estate, Waterlooville, specifically focusing on Marellsmoore Avenue. I would like to understand whether there are any statutory controls or Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) governing these roads.

I am particularly concerned about the activities of an unregulated private parking company (UKPC), which is issuing Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) to motorists within the estate. UKPC is presenting these PCNs under the guise of enforcing traffic offences, such as stopping or parking on yellow lines, and they claim the ability to hold vehicle keepers liable under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 (PoFA).

To ensure a clear understanding of the legal framework governing these roads, I would be grateful if you could confirm the following:

Are the roads in the Berewood Estate, specifically Marellsmoore Avenue, subject to any statutory controls or Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) issued by Hampshire County Council or any other statutory authority?

If so, could you provide details of any such orders or controls, including how they might affect parking enforcement on these roads?

Does Hampshire County Council have any role in regulating the parking arrangements or enforcement practices on these unadopted roads within the estate?

Your clarification would be helpful, as it will assist in understanding the legal position regarding the private parking company’s enforcement practices and whether they align with any statutory or contractual regulations in place.

Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]


Much Appreciated. I have contacted the council as advised using the above template. Do you please have something similar to use for an initial appeal to UKPC?

Don't worry about the initial appeal to UKPC. They will reject any appeal. Simply use the following as the Keeper only:

Quote
I am the keeper of the vehicle and I dispute your 'parking charge'. I deny any liability or contractual agreement and I will be making a complaint about your predatory conduct to your client landowner.

As your Notice to Keeper (NtK) does not fully comply with ALL the requirements of PoFA 2012, you are unable to hold the keeper of the vehicle liable for the charge. 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.

The registered keeper cannot be presumed or inferred to have been the driver, nor pursued under some twisted interpretation of the law of agency. Your NtK can only hold the driver liable. UKPC have no hope at POPLA, so you are urged to save us both a complete waste of time and cancel the PCN.

Send this on or very near the last day you can submit an appeal as you are going to want time for the council to respond to your query. The POPLA code with the appeal rejection will be valid for 33 days from the date of the appeal rejection.
Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience” - Mark Twain

I wonder if it's worth submitting the query to the council explicitly as a Freedom of Information Act request, to force a response.

Do both. Let's see which is responded to first.
Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience” - Mark Twain
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Good idea. I'm usually in favour of an informal ask first, I'm just mindful that time is of the essence.

Do both. Let's see which is responded to first.

Here's the reply I got from the council yesterday regarding Marrlesmoor Avenue and whether there is a TRoO inplace for the location.a TRO.

"Thank you for your query to Hampshire County Council about the status of Marrelsmoor Avenue and I’m sorry for the delay in responding whilst enquiries were made into the current status there.

As far as I can determine, Marrelsmoore Avenue and the other residential streets in that surrounding development phase are currently not maintainable at public expense though the adoption process is anticipated to be completed within the next year, barring any unforeseen complications. As such, there are no current Traffic Regulation Orders in force there, though I anticipate that a TRO would be considered by Hampshire County Council once the roads are adopted.

As the development company currently have ownership of the road network in that location, they have the same rights as any other landholders to implement parking controls on their property and may make arrangements for an agent to manage and operate the land including charging drivers for contravening parking restrictions. UKPC is one such company and will be acting on behalf of the landholder if they issue a Notice of parking charge (NoPC) to enforce any parking conditions that have been implemented there. The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 only made a number of changes to the law relating to parking on private land such as banning vehicle immobilisation or removal without lawful authority as well as providing landholders with additional powers to pursue vehicle keepers for unpaid parking charges providing that the necessary conditions are met.

Hampshire County Council does not have any role in regulating such private parking arrangements on unadopted roads. Any disputes would need to be resolved through the Civil Courts, though there may be an appeal process available through one of the Accredited Trade Associations such as the British Parking Association (BPA) or the International Parking Community.

I trust this information is helpful to you. Thank you again for contacting HCC and highlighting the issue".