Private PCN received

[wowiezowie]

Hi Guys

On Wednesday I parked on what I thought was an ordinary road which I have parked on many times before, the road leads onto a private car park. I was gone for just over 5 minutes (popped over to Greggs to get a sandwich) and when I got back I found a ticket on my window. It turns out that as the road is the only access to the car park it is also private. I didn't see the newly put up signs as they are high up on the wall above.
I have read conflicting reports on how to handle this kind of thing, I have read the sticky on letter templates to send but other forums say to completely ignore whatever they send. What do I do? I have included a scan of said ticket. Am I right in thinking that when the new PCN laws came in in April that the ticket should say 28 days to pay and not 14 as it does on mine?

[havinastella]

It don't matter a toss how many days. It's a private parking ticket and completely unenforceable.

Ignore, Ignore and then ignore a little bit more.

JOgs

[crem]

Originally Posted by wowiezowie

Am I right in thinking that when the new PCN laws came in in April that the ticket should say 28 days to pay and not 14 as it does on mine?

You may be right in what you say regarding a PCN where PCN = PENALTY CHARGE NOTICE. i.e. a legally issued charge from the council/police.

What you have received is a PCN where PCN = PARKING CHARGE NOTICE. i.e. a mickey mouse invoice for (alledgely) parking somewhere on private land which the scam merchants think they can charge you huge amounts of money for so doing.

It is not a co-incidence that that they look similar and you have made the mistake of thinking they are the same thing. They rely on that. If loads of people didn't make that mistake then the scam companies wouldn't survive coz they'd get no money in.

[nero12]

Originally Posted by crem

You may be right in what you say regarding a PCN where PCN = PENALTY CHARGE NOTICE. i.e. a legally issued charge from the council/police.

What you have received is a PCN where PCN = PARKING CHARGE NOTICE. i.e. a mickey mouse invoice for (alledgely) parking somewhere on private land which the scam merchants think they can charge you huge amounts of money for so doing.

It is not a co-incidence that that they look similar and you have made the mistake of thinking they are the same thing. They rely on that. If loads of people didn't make that mistake then the scam companies wouldn't survive coz they'd get no money in.

Is this ticket illegal inasmuch as it mimmics a real PCN, therefore reportable to the local authorities and traiding standandards?

[crem]

Originally Posted by nero12

Is this ticket illegal inasmuch as it mimmics a real PCN, therefore reportable to the local authorities and traiding standandards?

I think that has often been suggested here nero that they may well be against the law on that point alone. However, as that may also be one of the reasons they would never risk taking someone to court (i.e. the judge will scrutinise their paperwork) do we really want them to stop using this type of invoice?

[lamma]

depends what is on the invoice exactly. although some PPCs are trying to clean up their tickets (the May 2008 Consumer Regs have forced them really) there are still many that break the law (including the Fraud Act 2006).
The PPCs that are BPA members have been warned about the wording of invoices - the note about this leaked out onto the web.

Only way to tell is to see the paperwork (including any envelope it was in). Take pictures, wash your personal details out and post links to thepics.t

[Vermillion]

Hi, I am concerned about my PARKING CHARGE NOTICE too. Yours looks pretty slick - mine had no issuing 'warden number' or name, no notice number, no reference to any statute or road traffic act and no mention of an 'Authority'. The chap also stood behind the vehicle to prevent me moving - illegal, so I gather. I would like to upload my 'invoice' but not sure how. My fella can't believe it - he would have paid, I reckon. I think I will just be collecting the letters then sending the lot - if i get some to a newspaper or BBC.
The advice from Crem seems logical - don't let them know how rubbish the invoice is BUT most are taken in and I reckon these guys may target those they HAND tickets to. Lone women, women with several kids, elderly etc,. They then probably pay up being law abiding in essence.

[Al27]

Yep - that's exactly how they make their money.

They often imitate council paperwork, even so far as to send you a Notice to Owner, followed by a Charge Certificate. Blatently an offence under the 2006 Fraud Act.

The only problem is that the police are seldom interested and just say it's a civil matter.

[Vermillion]

Thanks for confirming the fraudulent nature of the notice. I have decided not to bother responding and just collect the letters and see how things pan out. I am also going to try and get more photos of them going about their business. If I have time!

[nero12]

Originally Posted by Vermillion

Thanks for confirming the fraudulent nature of the notice. I have decided not to bother responding and just collect the letters and see how things pan out. I am also going to try and get more photos of them going about their business. If I have time!

Photocopy your bum.


print this letter below it.

Dear grasping gits,

please refer to the picture above as this is what your invoice is worth, and all further correspondance will be used to whipe the above.

Yours anonymous.

[Vermillion]

Photocopy your bum.


print this letter below it.

Dear nero1212.
Thanks for the wonderful advice! Unfortunately as I was following it I did something to my back. Will probably cost a few thousand in consultation fees and a minor op.
I still wouldn't send 'em the money! (Parksafe, not the medics). Hmmm, there's a thought...
Also came across Roadside lawyer web site on my research, anyone ever used them? £25.00 fixed fee - to fight your battle?

[lamma]

waste of 25 quid in my view. easier to just ignore the PPC.
and yes I do know what gets put into the solicitor's letter that gets sent to the PPC. it will just make the points we make here about why the PPC 'trick' will not work and refers all future correspondence to go through the appointed solicitor. and the PPC dries up. an easy 25 quid for three minutes work.
I think its better to let the PPC do some work and spend some of its own money sending letters for zero return.