Parking - fair cop or travesty of justice

[Colin_b]

It's the lack of common sense that gets me. A neighbour is disabled, and has a blue badge.

She recently went into town to collect some things. Outside the shop there are two loading bays and double yellow lines. She parked in the loading bay, as she as going to collect a sewing machine that had been repaired. Came back in less than 10 minutes, and had a ticket.

For parking in a loading bay with a blue badge - she should have parked on the double yellows. That she was loading is apparently immaterial.

 

[219]

Wow - you can read the T&Cs on Google earth ???? That's one good system you have..

Google Maps streetview is easily good enough to read signs .

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I came back the long way round tonight to take a look. The sign displaying the charging tarrif states something along the lines of "must be parked wholly in the bay" and failure to meet that and another dozen conditions, may, result in a ticket.

 

[PXW]

May result in a ticket...probably worth asking what the criteria for discretion are. They probably mean 'will result in a ticket if you get caught', but that isn't what they say

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

May result in a ticket...probably worth asking what the criteria for discretion are. They probably mean 'will result in a ticket if you get caught', but that isn't what they say

You're spot on: "may" = "will"

It did result in a ticket - Mrs D got one a few days ago, which is what prompted the thread.

 

[markjay]

I think that 'may' is there to prevent dispute if you see someone else do exactly the same thing as you and not get fined....

 

[markjay]

It's the lack of common sense that gets me. A neighbour is disabled, and has a blue badge.

She recently went into town to collect some things. Outside the shop there are two loading bays and double yellow lines. She parked in the loading bay, as she as going to collect a sewing machine that had been repaired. Came back in less than 10 minutes, and had a ticket.

For parking in a loading bay with a blue badge - she should have parked on the double yellows. That she was loading is apparently immaterial.

Westminster Council put up recently more CCTV cameras in our area... I was told by other residents that the Council started dishing-out tickets in the post for stopping on single and double yellow lines. Those who challenged the fines, had them cancelled (obviously, you are allowed to stop on yellow lines within the applicable rules - in fact that's why the council put them there in the first place, to allow for loading/unloading, and getting passengers on and off the car - it's the white zigzag where you are not allowed to stop). The whole process seems like a total waste of time for both sides - very odd.

 

[joe1984]

If they knock your initial 'apeal' back do not hessitate to be a right pain in the **** over the issue! If you don't take no for an answer then they normally get bored and realise they are wasting too much time.
If you appeal within the 14 days then the 'discount' period is extended until dealt with too

 

[Noodle-Pulp]

Playing devils advocate, tie her down anyway - have some fun

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Playing devils advocate, tie her down anyway - have some fun

I took your advice and I can confirm it really has been fun.

Oh no, not like that.

I tied her to a kitchen chair, carried her out to the shed, and closed the door behind me. It's been great. I've been watching a recording of today's F1 for the last half an hour.

 

[p1ssdoffuser]

private car park=totally ignore any and ALL letters, summons, threats etc.

Council carpark= just pay up quickly.

 

[Carrotchomper]

private car park=totally ignore any and ALL letters, summons, threats etc.

Council carpark= just pay up quickly.

I agree with the first, however DO NOT ignore a County Court summons even in relation to a private car park. The only way they will ever win is by a default judgement.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Well I can conclude that the vote that really mattered was the one from the relevant council, and their vote has now been cast.

Mrs D received a letter from them yesterday, stating that after careful consideration of her challenge, they've decided that no further action need be taken on this occasion. They go on to say that any future PCN issued may not be waived.

So I think we can conclude that the combined verdict of MB Club jury and Council is "Hmmm - it's harsh, and given the circumstances it's worth challenging".

 

[trapperjohn]

Brilliant result. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Beetnik]

So I think we can conclude that the combined verdict of MB Club jury and Council is "Hmmm - it's harsh, and given the circumstances it's worth challenging".

Good result and a case of a reasonable case being made on a first offence. But it will be recorded and she won't get a similar result if she does the same again.