Hi, this case seems very similar to this one "Re: UKPC - Motorcycle parked outside bay - Bell Green Retail Park, London"
The rider in this case was parked in the same area in front of the Sydenham Aldi store, on 27th July, but further to the left of where the bike was parked in the above case, so just in front of the bicycle bay, but to the left so the bike didn't obstruct anyone or anything. The bicycle bay is quite separate to the main car park and is a large area that is hardly used even by cyclists. The rider had parked there many times in the past since the bike wasn't in the way and there weren't any signs to say the rider couldn't park there.
The rider couldn't find any reference to motorcycles on any signs and given that the rider was off the car parking area and away from everything, the rider thought they were on safe ground!
The rider has received a ZZPS letter (dated 27 August, so exactly one month after the supposed offence) since the rider had gone on holiday a day after parking there and had missed the UKPC letters and the chance to appeal.
The rider considers the parking charge to be very sharp practice given the complete lack of signage in the area concerned, and the lack of clarity on the main signs as to where motorcycles can or should park. There is a huge area by the bicycle park area that is separate to the main car park and the driver has always felt it to be logical that motorbikes could park there, given that the car park is tight and there is a risk to bikes in the main car park. As mentioned the driver is completely shocked to receive a penalty charge notice, at the amount involved (£170), and the complete lack of an opportunity to appeal to UKPC now that this is with ZZPS, even though the rider was on holiday over a holiday period.
Is there anything the rider can do now? Really hope you can help him!
