POPLA replied today advising that CEL doesn't wish to contest my appeal, which really wasn't a surprise as they had no grounds for rejecting my initial appeal to them in the first place. Given that they really do seem to be a bunch of rogues, I may just become a serial 'offender' and follow exactly the same scenario a few more times... Thanks for the advice EB & SF. Donation on it's way...

I now have a letter informing me that my appeal was unsuccessful. The only clarification on the reason for the ticket is that it was issued "for exceeding the parking time paid for". The letter also states that "further details as to why the appeal was unsuccessful can be found on the attached pages". None of the 36 generic FAQ type responses offer any explanation relevant for this case. They've kindly reset the clock on the 14 days to pay at the reduced rate, which is a nice touch, and given me a POPLA code. They've also explained that I have the right to apply via POPLA to the Ombudsman Services (who administer POPLA...) To recap, there are 4 relevant terms on the car park sign: 1. "£1 - 20 minutes": I paid for 20 minutes 2. "Payment must be made within 10 minutes of arrival". Arrived at 18:08:25 (as per the parking charge notice) and paid at 18:12 (as per ticket), well within 10 minutes. 3. "These terms apply Monday to Sunday 8AM - 6:30PM": Ticket purchased at 18:12, expired at 18:32. 4. "Maximum Stay 4 Hours": I entered at 18:08:25 and left at 20:18:17, ie 2hrs 10mins I'll lodge an appeal with POPLA today & all being equal expect that they will just cancel CEL's parking charge notice (which they refer to as an "Enforcement Notice" in their rejection letter). If anyone wants to offer any advice on how I can lodge the POPLA appeal in such a way that it helps flag problems with the legislation that allows companies like CEL to harass and generate revenue I'm happy to include that and pursue it further.

Ok, thanks for the advice. Below is the email I sent them: "Dear Civil Enforcement Ltd I was mystified to receive the above vexatious claim which was bereft of any specific detail relating to the alleged parking incident. I have the ticket that was purchased and have checked the sign for the car park, and there is clearly no breach of contract with you or anyone else. You should either cancel the ‘charge’ or issue a POPLA code." I received an automated reply saying they will reply in writing within 28 days (!) & will update here when I receive it.

You've helped me once before (post4830039) with a 'parking charge notice'. I don't think I actually need help this time, but wanted to post on this site for general awareness in case there's a pattern in how this firm operates. I parked in a car park where controls are effective 08:00-18:30. The PCN shows I entered the car park at 18:08:25. I purchased a ticket (which I still have) at 18:12, paying £2 for 20 minutes as I didn't have anything smaller. The ticket I purchased shows the expiry time as 18:32 (ie, 2 minutes after parking controls ceased to be effective). Today I received a PCN from CEL citing 'Payment not made in accordance with the terms displayed on the signage'. I've gone back and checked the sign and I can't see any term that I failed to comply with: - I paid the fee - the ticket was purchased within 10 minutes of entering the car park - I didn't exceed the maximum stay Although I said I don't think I need help on this, any offered would be appreciated especially if you spot something I've missed. Otherwise I will email CEL advising the above facts and that if they don't withdraw the charge they must stipulate exactly which term or terms they believe I contravened, with the effective date of the charge being the date they reply. Incidentally, I only received notification of the supposed offence 3 weeks later and it's pure luck that I still have the ticket. What does anyone do in the situation where no parking notice was issued at the time and the ticket has been discarded? It seems pretty outrageous to me that these parking cowboys have the law on their side in cases like this...

Ok, it seems like we have resolution - Lidl has confirmed that they will instruct Athena to cancel the charge. Thank you all for your input. I've made a donation via PayPal in appreciation of what this site and its members do...

Armadillo, the car was left in the car park and not removed between the two store visits. Have contacted Lidl today - would've done that sooner but was waiting for emailed photos of the parking notices on display to know see the exact conditions they imposed (for the record it's 90 minutes maximum and no return within two hours). It's perhaps not relevant at this stage, but the sign at the entrance is small and only visible after turning off the main road and then taking a left turn into the car park. I guess I'm excusing myself for not seeing it, but it's easily missed as you're negotiating a bend into the car park... Btw, my email was to the MD and I had a fairly quick reply from Customer Services who said they were hoping to resolve the matter quickly and efficiently. Here's hoping...

thanks ericsbrother, that's sound advice. I'll let you know how I get on

I'm hoping this will be straightforward - I see there are many similar posts in this forum. I received a Civil Parking Charge Notice 'Notice to Keeper' from Athena ANPR Ltd for 'Exceeded Free Parking Duration' at Lidl. The limit was 90 minutes and this was exceeded by 25 minutes. The Incident Date was 22/11, NTK issue Date is 25/11 and I received it 27/11. The car had been parked in Lidl whilst I did some shopping for a friend I was helping to move into a flat nearby. I entered the car park at 13:26, have a till receipt for 14:04 (28 mins later), took the shopping to my friend & helped her move some boxes/furniture around, returned to Lidl and picked up a few extra things (no receipt but it's on my Visa statement), then exited the car park at 15:22. This was the first time I'd shopped at Lidl (and probably my last), so was entirely unaware that they operate this system. I expect there are signs announcing the charge/penalty, but I certainly didn't see any (I've asked my friend to take some photos). I intend to appeal to Athena. Will the following suffice (suggested by Armadillo71 & successfully used for a similar case): 'As registered keeper of vehicle registration xxx xxx I am not liable for this charge. Enclosed is a copy of my till receipt and credit card statement for the date in question. I was not the driver on the date of the event. Please cancel this charge forthwith, or alternatively issue a valid code for the independent appeals service POPLAicon.' Further advice was to obtain free proof of postage from the PO (or retain copy of appeal via email) + never divulge the driver's identity re ANPR capture 'unless advised to by someone with the understanding of how the murky PPC world operates'.