Do I have any other options here other than to pay the parking fine ?
Posted by Brownchoccy@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 143 comments
[removed]
JLJ1955@reddit
I just had a similar fine for Manchester in September. I had paid for Meet and Greet parking, the signage was awful and ended up driving through drop off and got a fine. I appealed with proof I had booked parking to start at the time I was in the drop off. The fine was cancelled.
bakarnath@reddit
I happen to make the same exact mistake in heathrow once. Promptly reported it and mentioned that i had made a mistake and provided proof for the other parking which I paid for. I was told to pay the additional entry fee and then it was reversed citing my proof etc.
Only difference was that I reported it immediately on the day I made the mistake and thankfully did not receive a pcn letter.
Glittering_Ad_3672@reddit
Appeal. We had the same at Birmingham airport, took the wrong way. Did the appeal online, sent through the payment for the actual parking we had booked.
No issue and the fine was cancelled.
M4ZzZa@reddit
That APCOA parking charge from Luton Airport is a real PCN, but you’ve actually got a strong case to appeal it, so don’t just pay or ignore it as some of these companies are crazy and could take this to court for a 1 minute stay.
As other people on here have already said, you were only there for 1 minute and 2 seconds, which isn’t enough time to even read the signs and leave. The British Parking Association rules say private parking companies must allow a minimum 5-minute grace period for drivers to decide if they want to stay. That means they shouldn’t have issued a charge at all for something that short.
These PCNs are automated by ANPR and most of the time they rely on scared drivers to just pay the fine without disputing it.
Here’s what I'd do: 1. Go to: https://lla.info 2. Click “Pay or Appeal a Parking Charge (PC)” 3. Enter the Parking Charge Number and your reg. 4. Choose “Appeal” (they’ll have to freeze the charge while it’s being reviewed and even if the appeal is rejected, they must offer the same reduced rate of £25). 5. Paste something like this in the appeal box:
I am appealing this Parking Charge on the grounds that no breach of contract occurred.
The vehicle was present in the Luton Airport Pick-Up/Drop-Off Zone for only 1 minute and 2 seconds while the driver realised they had entered the wrong area and sought directions from an airport worker to reach the prepaid parking zone.
According to the British Parking Association Code of Practice (section 13), a minimum 5-minute grace period must be allowed for drivers to read signs and decide whether to stay. The driver did not park or stop to drop off or pick up passengers and the vehicle immediately left upon realising the mistake.
Please find attached evidence of the prepaid parking booking that the driver was attempting to access.
Given the extremely short duration and genuine error, I respectfully request that this charge be cancelled.
Upload your prepaid parking confirmation if you have it.
If they reject it, you can appeal to POPLA using the same points, and they usually side with drivers when the time is under 5 minutes.
So it’s 100% worth appealing. You’ve got a good chance of getting it cancelled.
MrsValentine@reddit
The pick up/drop off zone at Luton airport expects you to only stay for 5 minutes, I believe the payment is for 5 minutes and then you’re charged a pound for each extra minute you’re there. I was dropped off there recently and I believe our whole stay was 1 min 40 seconds and that was an actual drop off.
So I wonder if they will side with the driver given the whole idea of this carpark is to park for 5 mins or less?
Worth saying also that I believe they used to have barriers like a toll but now it’s barrier free and you pay online like the dart charge. It seems like the new business model is to increase revenues by stinging people who make mistakes and/or forget to pay online before midnight. But I do think the signs with the terms are also posted outside the chargeable area, so could theoretically have been read without entering the pick up drop off zone at all.
AffectionateJump7896@reddit
A large part (often over half in some years) of the Dartford crossing revenue comes from fines. Getting rid of the barriers not only increased throughput, but almost doubled the revenue. Everyone knows that barrier-less is the way to go as you can catch people out and double revenue.
I think the argument against the 5 minute rule in this case will be that the notices are outside the barriers, so the OP will have seen them driving up (contract offer), and then decided to go through the barrier (acceptance). It's different to when the pay and display notice is inside the car park. As you say, if this argument held up in court, then all drop off charges would be illegal.
MrsValentine@reddit
They’re sly fuckers, they shouldn’t be able to get away with a scheme that’s so inherently disadvantageous to customers. I understand going barrier free to reduce queue time but the fine process seems unfair. I might write to Martin Lewis about it!
SkipsH@reddit
Yet another ADHD tax, pay after, it'll be fine.
xdq@reddit
That's why I added not just my car but my wife, parents and brother's to my Tyne tunnel account. It's rare that any of us use it so it's highly likely that we'd forget to pay.
ian9outof10@reddit
Amen
Postik123@reddit
Depends how big or small the wording is. If it involves getting out of the car to read it you could easily argue you still didn't see it regardless of where it was.
I know I would follow the appeals process of which the OP stands a very good chance of winning via POPLA. The initial appeal to the parking operator themselves will most likely fail as they have no incentive to allow it, although I think they used to have to pay some kind of small admin fee to POPLA if it was referred there?
In any case if my appeal were unsuccessful I would go to court and have this whole kangaroo process quashed if I had to.
Over my lifetime I've had a few of these "parking charge notices" and I've never paid a single one, however I admit none of them went to court.
YetAnotherInterneter@reddit
It’s a massive sign at Luton Airport. Literally several metres tall. I don’t think you would have a strong case to make that it couldn’t be easily read.
Postik123@reddit
OK I stand corrected on the signage.
However there are still many lines of defence:
Does the BPA still have a 5 minute grace period?
Was the wording of the signage BPA compliant?
Is the wording on the notice received in the post compliant? (more often than not, they are not).
If I was in a hurry I'd go with u/M4ZzZa advice above and appeal on that basis. If I had more time I would try and get photos of the signage along with the notice received in the post and seek advice from MSE forum, which might open up multiple ways that the appeal can be strengthened.
the_merkin@reddit
As pointed out later in this thread, although the top comment is really useful for PCNs in the round, in this case, it’s completely irrelevant because it all took place on airport land.
Have a look at the later (more accurate) posts on this post about appealing based on the POFA route and “relevant land”, and being the keeper not the driver. THAT’s your answer, OP.
Username__-Taken@reddit
That’s interesting. I wanted to appeal a parking ticket with my local council but was told that if the appeal was rejected I’d have to pay the full ticket price as it was past the 14 days which forced me to just pay the fine!
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
I'd also argue that the airport is not relevant land for POFA 2012, so their charge is not compliant. When I did the same at Stansted, I sent something like this:
Dear [Parking Company],
I am the registered keeper of the vehicle in question. The location where the alleged parking event occurred is not relevant land under POFA 2012, and therefore, you have no right to hold me liable as the keeper.
As you do not know the identity of the driver, I am under no obligation to name them. I require you to cancel this charge immediately.
If you reject this appeal, please provide a POPLA code so I may escalate my case.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
TrueCartographer5163@reddit
This is the correct advice. The top comment fails to understand that airports are not relevant land under POFA. It's far more simple. The risk with going through the appeals process as they want you to is that you'll identify yourself as the driver. Where there is no need to unlike POFA land.
warlord2000ad@reddit
To be fair, I only learned about this, thus year. I'm not sure it's common knowledge.
S_K_Sharma_@reddit
The reply on grace period is useful anyway for another day. However you made the best case.
I think of myself as 'reasonably savvy' but the POFA land exception thing is a new discovery to me. Highly useful 👍🏽
It's hard to believe they can get away with these fishing trip PCNs. They probably have 90% of recipients just pay up.
YoshiMK@reddit
Not saying you're wrong here, but surely this can't be right?
Why wouldn't everybody just drop off without paying then cite POFA 2012?
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
It's a great question, and I'm not entirely sure of the answer. I guess because most people A) have enough morals to follow the rules and have no problem paying to park or drop off if that was their intention, and/or B) don't know enough about BPA guidelines, POFA etc to confidently and consistently, intentionally break the rules.
It's also not entirely guaranteed. It's not unheard of for POPLA to disagree and side with the parking companies, which then extends the fight. Still doesn't mean you'll have to actually pay it, but it can be a long drawn out process that often isn't without stress, and may end up in court.
The point is not to think of it as a get out of parking fees forever life hack, and more as checks and balances to protect people from unfair parking charges and predatory enforcement companies. Honestly it's a shame that it's even necessary to have these processes, and even worse that most won't even think to research and use them.
YoshiMK@reddit
I guess the airport would just provide CCTV of you actually dropping off people and you'd lose (which I hope actually would be the case).
With OP on the other hand they have grounds to appeal this and I can't see how anybody could see it differently
Gooner_93@reddit
100% correct advice, I won a recent PCN charge because it didnt meet POFA requirements and they dropped the charge when I mentioned it. As long as you dont name the driver, it's a slam dunk for the OP.
These companies are relying on people to just pay up, even when the charges are bullshit.
AgentCooper86@reddit
Just to say: they will almost certainly reject it, but they likely won’t even contest the POPLA appeal. Also if the car park is >500 spaces the consideration period is 10 mins.
However, you should ensure the consideration and grace period rules apply. They get a bit wonky in short stay and drop off areas. The code is here: https://www.britishparking.co.uk/write/Documents/AOS/NEW%20Redesigned%20Documents/sectorsingleCodeofPractice.pdf
TrueCartographer5163@reddit
That doesn't apply on airport land. None of this advice does. It's very simple. See my reply. I'll repeat it here to give it more visibility.
This is an appeal by the registered keeper - No driver details will be given. Please do not bother with your known fishing expedition in an attempt to get driver details to try and get around the fact there is no keeper liability (and never can be under POFA).
Due to this being airport land you will be well aware there is no keeper liability due to the byelaws in force and the fact this is not relevant land.
As there is no keeper liability then liability cannot flow from the driver to the keeper and thus is an auto win @ POPLA. Please therefore cancel the notice or issue a POPLA code where you will auto withdraw
If you waste your time asking for driver details this will be ignored and you will still lose at POPLA if you dont cancel the PCN
So let's save my time and yours and cancel this PCN you simply cannot win this (and you know it).
M4ZzZa@reddit
Many judges have accepted "on the balance of probabilities" that the keeper was driving, unless proven otherwise. Your advice could backfire on the OP.
AnotherRandomWaster@reddit
Would the 5 minute limit still count if they have a sign saying pick up only and a barrier to access. It was my understanding that this allowed them to charge up on entry. I dont know luton Airport and dont know if they have barriers or what the signage is like, I just know this is what they did at Newcastle.
M4ZzZa@reddit
Yeah, good question - it actually depends on how the airport's system works. If it's one of those barriered setups (like Newcastle) where you have to pass a gate and the terms are clearly shown before you enter, then the operator can argue you accepted the contract at the barrier - so the 5-minute grace period doesn't really apply there. As far as I know, at Luton Airport, APCOA runs the drop-off zone using ANPR cameras, not barriers. You just drive in, the camera logs your plate, and payment is expected afterwards via machine or online. In that kind of setup, the British Parking Association Code of Practice (section 13) still applies.
KitWith1Tea@reddit
The Real MVP
TrueCartographer5163@reddit
It's incorrect advice see my comment
Jabberminor@reddit
Nice try, Luton Airport parking attendant.
KitWith1Tea@reddit
But I have done pretty much, what they said and it has worked for me in the past 😳😞
I'm sorry um actually person. I didn't mean cause you no trouble.
Stormagedd0nDarkLord@reddit
Not sure about yours, it probably works, but silentcartographer's method is sound as well (source: just succeeded in appeal with APCOA but for Heathrow). Maybe smoosh 'em both together for an extra strength appeal! There are other copy-paste appeal formats around if you google a bit which also hinge mainly on the POPLA defence.
blackoutmedia_@reddit
Multi Vehicle Parker?
MrAbzDH@reddit
Multiple Voided Parking-charges
Ligeiapoe@reddit
I’ve done the appeal before and wasn’t offered the reduction. Someone walking into the middle of the road and I had to move into the bus lane in Birmingham. The person was captured in the video they sent but my claim was still denied. Absolutely shit system and I ended up paying the whole amount.
TrueCartographer5163@reddit
That's a moving traffic violation not a parking charge. Totally different rules, contraventions and strategies to appeal.
Ligeiapoe@reddit
Ah, that does make sense. It’s the only one I’ve had so far so I didn’t realise they were different types. Thanks for explaining
Own-Jeweler3169@reddit
That's a joke. Surely you could escalate maybe to the council, police or ombudsman? That isn't your fault at all.
This country loves rinsing its people for money, at every opportunity.
TrueCartographer5163@reddit
Your advice is incorrect as you fail to understand that the rules are different for airport land. And totally in your favor.
This is the response you need to give
This is an appeal by the registered keeper - No driver details will be given. Please do not bother with your known fishing expedition in an attempt to get driver details to try and get around the fact there is no keeper liability (and never can be under POFA).
Due to this being airport land you will be well aware there is no keeper liability due to the byelaws in force and the fact this is not relevant land.
As there is no keeper liability then liability cannot flow from the driver to the keeper and thus is an auto win @ POPLA. Please therefore cancel the notice or issue a POPLA code where you will auto withdraw
If you waste your time asking for driver details this will be ignored and you will still lose at POPLA if you dont cancel the PCN
So let's save my time and yours and cancel this PCN you simply cannot win this (and you know it).
Keplrhelpthrowaway@reddit
I received a similar fine from APOCA as I paid the £5 fee outside their payment window. Will this route still work for me or has doing that meant they can identify who was driving now?
Time-Mode-9@reddit
If they do not drop it, they will send more letters with additional charges.
If you let it go on, it will probably eventually go to court.
If that happens there is a very good chance that they will decline to attend the court, and you won't have to pay a penny. Or you would win in count.
Check advice on money saving expert threads.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/64350585#Comment_64350585
accidentplan@reddit
Saving this if I ever need it!
Ambitious-Math-4499@reddit
Yes! I had the same thing, emailed them this and charge dropped. Do it OP
Ro55Ro55@reddit
I believe airports fall out of the norm for car parking charges and regulations, and that the 5 mins grace to check the signage doesnt apply at these quick drop-off areas.
Bogpot@reddit
And then can we levy parliament to get this shady practice removed from all our airports. Gatwick is the same and is also effectively a local train station.
Wander too far into the airport? Automatic £5 drop-off fee.
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
Not just airports, these companies can fuck off entirely. I had a charge notice for parking at a country park and taking an extra 53 seconds to download their app and pay for parking. The cunts put the ANPR cameras a good distance outside of the carpark entrance, enforced zero grace period and neglected to put any of that on the signs.
TomStreamer@reddit
I don't disagree with the advice except this isn't a PCN. It's an invoice from a private company. Only local authorities can issue Penalty Charge Notices.
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
You're right, but this is one of the tactics these parking companies use to try and make you pay..
It's a PCN as in "Parking Charge Notice", not "Penalty Charge Notice"
Basically an invoice, not a fine and totally worth appealing.
VividModelCars@reddit
There’s actually common law that’s the basis for the grace period but I can’t remember the name… when I get time today or tomorrow I’ll see if I can go through my notes and find the name of it.
lan0028456@reddit
Not all heroes pay the fines
CezarTheSalad@reddit
Chancers
adoptedscouse@reddit
On the back of this sound advice I’d also add these companies often don’t suspend the fine while your appeal is going through which works in your favour.
I had one that while I had an active appeal, they sent me another letter saying I now had 7days to pay or they’ll proceed with debt recovery action. Needless to say a quick reply with as you have broken your codes of practice with the BPA I’ll be taking legal action against you unless you immediately cancel the charge, which they did within 24hrs with an apology. Always best checking the T&C’s they have to follow as a company.
Dillydally94@reddit
Saving this just in case
TrueCartographer5163@reddit
It's incorrect advice for an airport. It applies to relevant land under POFA 2012 which an airport is not. It's much more simple to get out of it at an airport. You basically just tell them you aren't identifying the driver so there's nothing they can do.
heartyu@reddit
Think I love you.
FluffyBunnyFlipFlops@reddit
Some heroes don't need a cape, all they need is a keyboard.
CalmdownpleaseII@reddit
This guy PCN’s
MountainMuffin1980@reddit
Great advice. This will easily get cancelled.
ageown@reddit
I have appealed to POPLA in the past under different circumstances, and got off with it, fully recommend going through the motions!
idateyourmother@reddit
Just pay it, it's 25 quid. If you leave it or faff about it will be more, then a lot more. I see them are just the price for parking now. Can't find a space? Just chuck it anywhere you like and pay the 25 quid parking charge. Honestly, it's not that much different from most parking prices and you can park anywhere you like for as long as you like, for just a few quid more.i even thank the ticket guys if I catch them doing it. The look on their face is priceless.
Beskeet@reddit
Pick up/drop off zones is 7 quid for up to 10 mins. Same as gatwick and Heathrow. Always check the websites foe these wankers.
https://www.london-luton.co.uk/to-and-from-lla/dropping-off
EquivalentRough6370@reddit
Just pay it and get it out of your life, I know it’s annoying but if your appeal fails and you end up paying £95 that’s a big loss
Ultimate_os@reddit
It’s not worth the stress for an appeal which will unlikely be successful, even though you’ve done nothing wrong. Pay the lower amount and move on.
Equivalent_Cup547@reddit
Whatever you do do, don't ignore it. I took some shitty advice once upon a time and ended up with a CCJ for 6 years (due to end in February 2026 - praise the lord). Also paid £280 instead of £60, for the pleasure.
FoundationMean9628@reddit
I'm going to get down voted for this but I think you should pay it, it's not worth the headache of going through an appeal process or going to court for £25, if you lose the case you're going to take a hit on your credit score.
Source: someone (me) who didn't pay it.
Moist_Debt_4006@reddit
As long as you don’t admit to being the driver you’re fine. I just successfully appealed one 2 weeks ago using the below text from martinlewis forums.
Subject: Formal Appeal – Parking Charge Notice [Ref]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing as the registered keeper of the vehicle to formally appeal the above-referenced Parking Charge Notice (PCN). There will be no admissions as to who was driving the vehicle, and no assumptions can be drawn from this appeal.
The charge is disputed on the following grounds:
ChewiesLipstickWilly@reddit
As someone else has brilliantly givven you a solution I'm just here to say I HATE what they've done to Luton. The UK is the only place where ALL road changes are for the worst. Takes ages to get into the drop off now and ages to get in. Why did they bloody change it I'll never know. It was perfect as was
TrabantDave@reddit
Airports are covered by byelaws and are not 'relevant land' in terms of POFA. if you visit the FTLA forum there are templates to use. Do not state who was the driver - you will appeal as owner. Works every time!
Initial_Statement317@reddit
rip it in
Ok-Personality-6630@reddit
If you pay early it's £25
Jonny_g123@reddit
I had my fine appealed successfully this week. I paid the £5 2 days late which was the reason they gave for voiding it.
ClacksInTheSky@reddit
Airport car parks are covered by byelaws and not subject to the FOPA 2012 and therefore they can't force you to reveal who the driver was.
Send this:
Far_Check_7243@reddit
Thank you , I always see people saying to pay these , I always use the im not obliged by law to provide driver details
Taffyboyo1974@reddit
Does this apply to railway stations also?
ClacksInTheSky@reddit
I think so, but it depends on the land. It would likely have to be within a railway station ground.
richiec78@reddit
I wrote. Something very similar when I got a parking charge at Manchester airport the other month, they cancelled it within a couple of days. The wording on the PCN also states they ‘invite’ you to name the driver, there is no legal obligation.
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
This is the one. I did the same with a bogus charge at Stansted McDonald's. I included a few arguments and the popla decision basically said "we agree it's not relevant land, there are other arguments but there's no need to address them because the relevant land bit is enough for the decision".
OP, make sure you include a picture of a map that shows the airport boundary and the location of the "offence" marked clearly inside it, if you can.
Accomplished-Hunt463@reddit
Pay then appeal.. I once ignored one of these on people's advice and yes for years they went away but I ended up with a ccj... not worth the risk, believe me!
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
No, don't pay. Appeal within the timescales given. The advice used to be to ignore them entirely, but that hasn't been true for a while now.
Appeal. Don't ignore. But don't pay.
Dependent_One6034@reddit
This isn't a fine, it is an invoice.
The only parking fines you need to pay are from the government or council.
They are both classed as PCNs to confuse you more. But APCOA is a Parking change notice, a government or council issued fine would be a Penalty charge notice.
Honestly - if it were me, I would completely ignore this letter. If they want to knock on my door, feel free - I would still ignore it. The chance they would take you to court for this is slim. But it might be ongoing for some time.
That being said - I can understand the stress, and not having to deal with people at your door, so is 70quid worth you not stressing?
mas-sive@reddit
Let’s not do that, you’d still get a CCJ in your name
Silent-Ad6407@reddit
It's the equivalent of a plastic ccj, they mean very little, screwing the banks for hundreds of thousands or failing to pay a private company and invoice aren't the same thing.
libdemparamilitarywi@reddit
These actually get taken to court fairly frequently. You need to contest it now, ignoring it will create a much bigger headache for you.
Cantaloupe-Hairy@reddit
Doing the above would potentially end up with judgements against you and more and more charges being added.
There was an article in my local paper regarding a driver who got something similar and ended with her car being taken by the courts because the charges spiralled.
EdmundTheInsulter@reddit
That's bad advice if they eventually obtain a ccj
JoeyJoeC@reddit
They're not going to come knocking on the door. Everything else was spot on, but the only way someone will come knocking is if it goes to court, OP loses, still refuses to pay and they will end up with bailiffs. It wont ever get to that stage.
GuavaHot3713@reddit
Appeal it at court
Comfortable-Ear-1788@reddit
You are lucky - the photo that is used as proof has to include the numberplate AND the sign showing that parking is not allowed. The car and the sign have to be in the same pic.
RandomiseUsr0@reddit
It’s not a fine.
You entered a contract when you used the service.
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
You don’t “enter a contract” by taking a wrong turn and leaving a minute later. That’s not parking, that’s existing near a car park. You can’t agree to terms you never even had time to read.
It’s just another private parking scam trying to monetise mistakes.
RandomiseUsr0@reddit
That’s their “claim” - it’s not a fine, they have no power to fine
Hightideuk@reddit
Got caught for the same thing at Manchester airport. I contacted their customer services and they just asked for proof of my actual parking, wrote it off for me
Rhysd007@reddit
Always appeal. Other commenters have put it better than I could, that you should win this citing the rules etc.
However for me £25 isn't worth spending the stress/hassle of sending letters, waiting etc. I would just pay this and move on. YMMV.
Competitive_Bee3084@reddit
£25.
3 pints of beer.
Pay it and move on and be more careful next time.
733_1plus2@reddit
Lmao stay broke
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
Nope, never pay these predatory parking companies. Don't ignore it, but follow the processes to appeal.
Couple of forms will save that £25 entirely.
Hackers76@reddit
Appeal but don’t expect a quick reply, i sent one for Manchester airport 6th June and heard nothing back yet.
EUskeptik@reddit
Personally, I would admit I had made a mistake and pay a reduced penalty of £25.
These paid drop-off zones are present at all the London airports as far as I know. It’s an incentive for vehicles dropping off passengers to be in and out quickly. The zones are very effective but the whole thing comes across as a cynical money-making exercise.
Reddit is full of amateur lawyers who will tell you to contest the charge. However, you missed the signs warning you of the £5 charge and drove into the drop-off zone where the charge applies then, crucially, you did not pay the £5 charge.
So now you have a choice. Pay £25 now or £95 later. I know which I would do.
-@@-
JHowler82@reddit
So it would have been £5
All up it's really paying just a £20 "fine"
I'd just pay and move on.. lesson learnt and no headaches trying to appeal
Panscrank@reddit
Get on money saving expert for the best advice
geeered@reddit
Search on MSE - these are easy to get away with if you decline to name the driver. I believe they can't make you name the driver, but they can only fine the driver.
BrownHammock@reddit
Yep. For airport fines that rely on Bylaws there is no keeper liability. Don't identify the driver and then you as keeper cannot be fined. APOCA will eventually just drop the matter
TrueCartographer5163@reddit
Weird that the correct advice has 20x less visibility than the incorrect advice. Reddit really is shite some days.
Lunarlucidity@reddit
Ugh the dreaded drop off zone. Such a scam.
MiddleElevator96@reddit
This happened to me at Stansted recently. Dropping someone off at 4am, had my card ready to pay but no barriers. Forgot about it as I was tired and only remembered two days later when I got in the car and saw my card on the dashboard. Tried to pay, but was too late. Cunts.
BossSnakeEater@reddit
I had a similar fine from Manchester Airport, T1 I dropped off my wife at around 4AM and when I was leaving the barrier was open so I assumed it was free due to time of day.
I assumed wrong l.
I was only there for less than 2 minutes so I Appealed based on the short stop and the fact the barrier was open and they accepted the appeal.
Obviously from now on I will pay even if the barrier is open from now on.
So my advice is to try and appeal it and you might save yourself the fine.
inteteiro@reddit
Appeal and also go and leave loads of 1 star reviews for this company on Google/apple app stores, trip advisor, google maps. Someone from the company will probably reply and have the pcn rejected
Competitive_Pool_820@reddit
62 seconds? That’s how you start your appeal letter.
dasarga@reddit
This is such a load of bullshit.. “dropping off fees” should be illegal. What are we paying for?!?!?
Reagansmash1994@reddit
Well, in theory you're paying for the privileged of dropping off as close to the airport as possible. The mid-stay is free for 15 minutes, so nothing stopping you from dropping someone off there and letting them take the transfers bus (free) or walk the 5-10min walk.
That being said, it's egregious and predatory and Luton Airport can go fuck themselves. I got a PCN there a couple weeks after they changed the drop off rules and costs etc. Apparently the signage was sufficient and them posting on facebook and local news amounts to informing the public in advance. Moreover, they don't have signs as you leave reminding you how to pay.
FirefighterSoft4517@reddit
Dont chance losing 95 quid, just get the 25 sent off today. its a red route, little to no defense in stopping there
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
NEVER pay these companies.
Airport land is not relevant to POFA 2012 so they have no right to charge the registered keeper of the vehicle.
Grace periods exist in car parks for a reason.
These parking enforcement companies are extremely predatory and use specific wording to skirt the rules and hope you'll just pay.
Absolutely no reason to believe OP will have to pay anything.
SirJohnLift@reddit
I appealed one of these in Stansted and it was revoked, worth a shot
lubbockin@reddit
your friend mr wong from using king was driving that day here is his address, please send all future communications to him.
Naive_Carpenter7321@reddit
Appeal, I did, providing you didn't unload or load anything, specify this. I stopped to ask for directions to the paid parking but they dismissed it on the first approach. It was an innocent mistake caused in part by their signage. You had a paid plan.
Otherwise-Couple6166@reddit
Dang, that parking fine life hitting you hard? You could try writing a heartfelt poem to the parking enforcement gods begging for forgiveness... or y'know, pay it and treat yourself to a fancy coffee to soften the blow. Your call!
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
Never pay these charges. Especially this one. Appeal.
Green_Roof_4849@reddit
I got one at Manchester airport canceled by following something similar to this thread
https://www.reddit.com/r/CarTalkUK/comments/1dzqdcz/airport_dropoff_pcn_fine_waived/
intothedepthsofhell@reddit
I wish I'd read this 3 months ago. I appealed to APCOA - rejected, appealed to POPLA - rejected.
And now I can't re-submit a new appeal and have to pay £100.
VagueNostalgicRamble@reddit
Don't quote me on this, mine didn't get that far, but I believe your next course of action is to ignore anything posted to you that's not a ccj. Let them take you to court. There's a high chance they'll drop it when you don't back down.
Post on MSE and/or FTLA for the real good advice on what to do next, give them as much detail as you can, but I don't think you're at the stage of having to pay yet.
IthurtswheniPvP@reddit
I appealed the same for going through Gatwick’s drop off only & they cancelled it, the signage around there is appalling, feels like they are purposely trying to catch people out
Marshmallowmind2@reddit
Depends if you want the stress. Tbh I'd pay the fine just to get it off my mind
Competitive_Bee3084@reddit
Agreed.
OP fked up.
Take it as a lesson and to be more observant next time.
£25 is a cheap lesson.
3 or 4 pints.
Classic-Gur6681@reddit
Then you’re part of the problem
badula-yama-yama@reddit
Had similar at Heathrow a while ago, never dropped off anyone off there before drove into the drop off zone wasn't even in there for a minute before i U-turned out of there into the correct car park £17.50 !!! Which i had the receipt for. Appealed the fine with the receipt uploaded.
Got an email back basically saying ok we'll let you off this time dont do it again.
Greedy pricks🖕🏾
BunglingBoris@reddit
Throw that shit and all the others that follow into the bin
Iain_M@reddit
Absolutely stupid advice
dickwildgoose@reddit
Exactly right.
Classic-Gur6681@reddit
MSE or FTLA is the place for these. Do not pay.
Iain_M@reddit
But do not ignore either
SchoolForSedition@reddit
It’s not a fine. It’s the result if a supposed private contract.
No, you did not contract to park.
Intelligent_Egg_6000@reddit
Well, you could always try appealing the parking fine with a heartfelt letter explaining how you accidentally parked in the wrong spot because your GPS was acting up. Worst case, they say no, but hey, it's worth a shot, right? Good luck dodging that fine, mate!
Far-Ad-6179@reddit
If you appeal, then you get an extension on the 14 days. Im pretty sure of this anyway, I did and I think its a rule. That said, my guess is they will still ask for £25 for their 'admin costs'.. mine did.
veryblocky@reddit
That’s absolutely ridiculous that they’d issue a fine for being there less than 2 minutes. That’s barely enough time to get out and read the signs.
ElegantOliver@reddit
Dropping off at an airport does take less than 2 minutes. That's why they introduced charges for pickup/dropoff with ANPR to catch people who don't pay it in time.
SquareLavishness922@reddit
go to money saving expert for this, redditors are sheep and will tell you to pay it
Classic-Gur6681@reddit
Not sure why they’re downvoting you. It’s true. MSE are seasoned experts in these instances, unlike the armchair “legal experts” on here.
EdmundTheInsulter@reddit
The bpa has recently made new rules mainly reducing the time it can take to get a penalty. It might be the best bet to find out the non relevant land and not naming the keeper, then getting the appeal to popla eventually.
TimboJimbo81@reddit
How do you think they keep Luton airport looking so nice?
JoeyJoeC@reddit
You can certainly fight it. Id recommend making a post on https://www.ftla.uk/private-parking-tickets/?PHPSESSID=oleia8hossbfm3oj4mum0m4sfl where expert volunteers can help.
You're legally allowed to have enough time to park up, get out, read the terms and conditions (small print on the signs), decide you DONT agree with them and get back in your car and leave. What your passengers do in that time has nothing to do with the driver.
Own-Two2165@reddit
Type that into chat gpt, then email them telling them story. You got certain grace period. They normally let you go
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