While we're Christmas shopping, we can all get caught up in the moment.
And that might mean that you may have stayed a little too long in the shopping centre and bagged yourself a hefty fine.
And you might be thinking of challenging it. Because no-one really wants to pay.
When you get caught by ANPR cameras breaking parking rules on private property, like in a McDonald's car park or in a privately run shopping centre, the firm managing the car park will put your registration number into a DVLA database.
They can then get your details from there and can subsequently issue you a Parking Charge Notice.
This is different to a Parking Penalty Notice, which are usually issued by a council or a police force.
These fines are completely different and these can be acted upon, meaning you could be taken to court if you don't pay the sum.
So if you do get handed a Parking Charge Notice from a private firm, you need to know your rights and understand if you can get out of paying it.
Here's everything you need to know:
Reasons to argue the charge
- You didn't break the rules.
- There was insufficient signage.
- You were on public land not private.
- Mitigating circumstances - you know you were in the wrong but there was a good reason why.
How to contest a Parking Charge Notice
Simply respond that you are refusing to pay.
Don't say you are appealing the ticket, as this legitimises the ticket.
Also write "Without Prejudice" on the letter – then no information in the letter can be used against you.
What happens next?
If the company rejects your dispute, then you can escalate to the firm's trade member association.
You must have an official reference number from the company and their reasons for rejecting your dispute.
They will refer you to POPLA, the Independent Tribunal for Parking Fines.
Around 40 per cent of appeals are upheld in the favour of the public.
If you wish to dispute the ticket, then you have 28 days in which to dispute after the firm that issued the ticket has rejected your appeal.
