Smart Parking Ltd PCN

[Findlay]

Parked in a Hotel Car Park that I knew was open to the public for paid parking, having stopped at the hotel previously. Purchased a ticket from the pay station & displayed in vehicle. I left within the time frame paid for. I received a PCN from Smart Parking Ltd with 2 images, entering & leaving the car park. On their website I appealed the PCN, stating I did pay the correct fee for parking, but no longer have the receipt. Also that the images supplied don't prove payment was made one way or the other & asked for further proof or for the PCN charge to be revoked. I've not yet had a reply, but discovered from this site that the issue date of the PCN was over 14 days. The alleged offence was on 21/08/22 & the PCN arrived on 12/09/22, some 22 days later. What should I do next pls?

[Findlay]

I've had an email acknowledging the appeal & should get a decision in the next 35 days. However, should I contest the 14 days notification now or wait for their decision?