UKPS PCN in Private Parking for parking less than 5 min , (Halfords Croydon)

[Adeel]

I have receive a Parking charge notice in Halfords Croydon, I parked in permit required bay for less than 5 minutes which was by mistake, upon realizing my mistake i moved my car.
Buy UKPS send me PCN.
I challenged this PCN and following is my appeal letter:

I am writing to formally challenge the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) number , issued on 08/01/2025, for my vehicle with registration number.

Grounds for Appeal

1. Inadequate Signage:
   The signage in the area where my vehicle was parked was not sufficiently visible. The signs were too small and did not adequately inform drivers of the parking regulations. I have attached photographs that illustrate the poor visibility of the signage.

1. Grace Period Compliance:

I would like to highlight that my vehicle was moved within 5 minutes of mistakenly parking, which is within the 10-minute grace period allowed for overstays. This policy is designed to prevent penalties for minor infractions, and I believe it applies in this case.

1. Invalid Contract:
   Additionally, I wish to point out that the contract outlined by your company is invalid as it does not include a geographical address in the terms and conditions provided. According to consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, a valid contract must contain essential information such as the service provider's geographical address.

They have rejected my appeal on 23rd January and gave me 28 days to challenge with Independent Appeals Service (IAS) also they have removed discount on PCN.

They don't have their address on their terms which i think makes contract invalid.


Now my question is should i pay for this PCN or appeal further to court after IAS appeal?

Also i need help with Appealing with IAS.

Many thanks

[des8]

How unexpected that a parking management company rejected an appeal!
The chances of an appeal to the (not independent) IAS being successful is close to zero.

I wouldn't even bother, but if you intend to appeal to IAS you need to quote the latest MANDATORY "private Sector Code of Practice" (https://irp.cdn-website.com/262226a6...f_Practice.pdf)
Annex B of the code states the operator must allow a 5minute grace period to allow the driver to read the signs and then decide whether to park or not (sec5 1(a) is most relevant to your situation)

If you want to include poor signage in your appeal, the relevant section of the code is 3, staring on page11.

Do not identify the driver.

If you want to post up your appeal before submitting it, we can give it the once over for you


I certainly would not pay this charge .
They will huff& puff, write threatening letters and even initiate a court claim.
However if you play it properly they will most likely discontinue before it reaches court, but even if it goes to a hearing you have a better than evens chance of winning