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August 2019 I entered a NCP car park, drove around a bit, couldn't find a space and left after 19 minutes and parked in a different car park.
A couple of weeks later a PCN arrived. I explained I did not park but NCP say because I exited after 19 minutes they intended to fine me.
It turns out they have a grace period of 10 minutes and would not have fined me if I had left within 10 minutes. They are now threatening to go to court.
I have a photograph of the signs in the car park and nowhere does it state a grace period. NCP's lawyers say it doesn't matter because when I entered the car park I automatically accepted all of their terms and conditions.
I have responded to say that they have set out their business to offer car parking and they invited me into their car park to use their service so I had no choice but to enter.
There is also no mention of a grace period or charge after 10 minutes on the sign therefore how was I to know.
Below is a transcript of the signs' wording.
NCP Pitt House Car Park signs wording
Sign One
NCP Pitt House Car Park
Terms & Conditions apply when parking with us
Charges apply Charges apply Charges apply No heavy goods vehicles No busses ANPR in
(Tickets are Must display a badge operation at
not transferable) this car park
This car park is open to the public Charges apply, see tariffs
Only NCP approved payments methods accepted
A Parking Charge Notice (PCN) may be issue for failure to comply with the Terms and Conditions (which can be found in and around this car park). This includes the following breaches:
PCN charges paid within 14 days (early discount) £60
PCN charges paid after 14 days £100
If you have any queries or to request a copy of our Terms and Conditions please contact Customer Services on 0345 050 70 80 or visit ncp.co.uk
National Car Parks Limited accepts no responsibility other than to the extent set out in the Terms and Conditions for ensuring that people will not enter the car park and cause damage to property or engage in criminal activity that may affect the security of your vehicle and/or its contents. Use of this car park is at the drovers and or the vehicle owner’s risk
This land is private property managed by National Car Parks Limited with the authority of the land owner. By parking in the car park you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions.
National car Parks Limited, 14b St Cross Street, London, EC1N 8XA
Sign Two
NCP
Welcome to
Pitt House
Car Park
Please ensue you enter the full and correct vehicle registration of the vehicle you’ve parked today. Failure to do so may result in the issue of a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).
Tariff Prices inc VAT
Up to 30 Mins £1.00
Up to 1 Hour £2.00
Up to 2 Hours £3.50
Up to 4 Hours £7.00
Up to 24 Hours £11.00
Normal charges apply to Blue Badge holders
Please note failure to pay for your parking may result in the issue of a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £60 (if paid within 14 days)
Customer Service 0545 050 7080
Our cameras record your number plate on entry and exit
ANPR technology is in use in this car park.
August 2019 I entered a NCP car park, drove around a bit, couldn't find a space and left after 19 minutes and parked in a different car park.
A couple of weeks later a PCN arrived. I explained I did not park but NCP say because I exited after 19 minutes they intended to fine me.
It turns out they have a grace period of 10 minutes and would not have fined me if I had left within 10 minutes. They are now threatening to go to court.
I have a photograph of the signs in the car park and nowhere does it state a grace period. NCP's lawyers say it doesn't matter because when I entered the car park I automatically accepted all of their terms and conditions.
I have responded to say that they have set out their business to offer car parking and they invited me into their car park to use their service so I had no choice but to enter.
There is also no mention of a grace period or charge after 10 minutes on the sign therefore how was I to know.
Below is a transcript of the signs' wording.
NCP Pitt House Car Park signs wording
Sign One
NCP Pitt House Car Park
Terms & Conditions apply when parking with us
Charges apply Charges apply Charges apply No heavy goods vehicles No busses ANPR in
(Tickets are Must display a badge operation at
not transferable) this car park
This car park is open to the public Charges apply, see tariffs
Only NCP approved payments methods accepted
A Parking Charge Notice (PCN) may be issue for failure to comply with the Terms and Conditions (which can be found in and around this car park). This includes the following breaches:
Failure to pay all the charges due for your parking
Failure to comply with the Terms and Conditions associated with your chosen payment method
Overstaying the parking time paid on your ticket
Failure to park wholly within an authorised parking bay or area or causing an obstruction
Parking in a Blue Badge holder bay without displaying a valid Blue Badge
Parking in a designated bay or area without authorisation
PCN charges paid within 14 days (early discount) £60
PCN charges paid after 14 days £100
If you have any queries or to request a copy of our Terms and Conditions please contact Customer Services on 0345 050 70 80 or visit ncp.co.uk
National Car Parks Limited accepts no responsibility other than to the extent set out in the Terms and Conditions for ensuring that people will not enter the car park and cause damage to property or engage in criminal activity that may affect the security of your vehicle and/or its contents. Use of this car park is at the drovers and or the vehicle owner’s risk
This land is private property managed by National Car Parks Limited with the authority of the land owner. By parking in the car park you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions.
National car Parks Limited, 14b St Cross Street, London, EC1N 8XA
Sign Two
NCP
Welcome to
Pitt House
Car Park
Please ensue you enter the full and correct vehicle registration of the vehicle you’ve parked today. Failure to do so may result in the issue of a Parking Charge Notice (PCN).
Tariff Prices inc VAT
Up to 30 Mins £1.00
Up to 1 Hour £2.00
Up to 2 Hours £3.50
Up to 4 Hours £7.00
Up to 24 Hours £11.00
Normal charges apply to Blue Badge holders
Please note failure to pay for your parking may result in the issue of a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £60 (if paid within 14 days)
Customer Service 0545 050 7080
Our cameras record your number plate on entry and exit
ANPR technology is in use in this car park.
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