PCN advice. Time limit has changed for on street parking. Unaware. Help!

[bhamdriver]

Hi everyone, received a PCN last night on the 22/11/11, after parking in on street parking in Birmingham city centre. Last time I was in town which was about a month ago, parking was free after 6. So I parked up at 6pm and left. I returned at about 10pm to find I'd been issued a fine. It turns out the time limit has changed, and parking is now free only after 7.30pm. I was genuinely unaware. I know I should always check, but I never expected there would be a change so drastic after 5-6 years of parking in Bham city centre.

Now, 1. the colour of my car (dark green) is noted on the PCN as "unclear".

2. I had parked on the opposite side of the road to the P&D machine. Other than a sticker on the front of the machine indicating that new charging times were in force, there was nothing else anywhere to indicate this change.

3. I am about to declare the car SORN in a few days.

Is there any way around this fine?

 

Now, due to work, etc, I kept postponing appealing, and paying. I thought I was still within my 14 days limit, but turns out that was on the 6th. So...I now owe the full £50 to Bham City Council.

I attach a photo of my PCN, and hope that despite the fact that it's my fault I've lost the reduced rate, someone will help me out with this. We are planning to scrap the car, I am no longer using it, and will declare it SORN asap. Can I get out of this ticket? I was driving, but the car is registered in my father's name. I really don't want to lose £50.

Many, many thanks.

Katie.

[Jamberson]

Your best bet in my view is to appeal and explain as you have here, that you've used the bays before and were unaware of the change. You might get a discretionary cancel.

 

Usually if you appeal within 28 days, and they say no, they will still offer you the discount, so any appeal will probably get the amount put back.