council parking ticket scam?

[Stuart Noble]

No joy so far with this on uk.legal so I wonder what folks on here think about this parking ticket issue.

Just got a charge certificate out of the blue from Vinci Park Services on behalf of my local council demanding £120 for a parking offence committed 4 months ago (I assume £80 plus non-payment surcharge), and this is the first I've heard of it. No ticket was issued at the time (but could have been a camera I suppose), and the Notice to Owner allegedly sent on 5th October was never received. Net result as things stand is I lose the right to pay the original amount, or to challenge the ticket. Strangely, this thing arrived in a plain envelope, size 8 font, cunningly disguised as junk mail. Anyone know any legal stuff about all this?

[Robbo]

Ask for photographic evidence of the "alleged" offence. Request a copy of the original ticket. Suggest most strongly that they have the wrong vehicle and until such evidence is produced you will ignore their requests to assist in their enquiries

Or

Chuck it in the bin

[Gel]

[Tony Williams]

Some useful information at

[Bob Eager]

There's a website somewhere that helps people in your situation. Can't remember what it is, but have a little Google.

[TheScullster]

"Stuart Noble" wrote

Not a response, but another moan. SWMBO got a fine for not displaying valid ticket (it had dropped off). Sent the correctly purchased ticket off and was told this is not sufficient to avoid fine as the ticket had not been displayed!!!!

Phil

[DMac]

First of all you have to ask yourself are you denying the "offence" or trying to get off for something you have done?

Then work out your diy strategy

Have you spoken to parking enforcement at your local council ?

Approach the matter in a cool calm way. Explain what has happened. Offer to send them copies of letter and packaging. Ask for proof of the alleged offence - when /where / how etc What colour and model of car - Is it possible your number plates have been cloned Ask if the council have sold the "debt" on to Vinci.

If you feel aggreived at the way you have been treated you could enlist the support of your local rag or radio station

It might also be possible to ask DVLA or whatever they are called these days and ask if they have been requested to release your details

I would do that first before contacting Vinci.

You should also be able to find out company details online fairly easily if you want to check their details out

from www VINCI Park UK Group Portsoken House

155-157, Minories London EC3N 1LJ Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

[Stuart Noble]

Thanks for the advice No doubt the council can provide a copy of the ticket, but the question is whether it was ever attached to the vehicle. Similarly, a copy of the notice to owner is easy to provide, but who's to say it was actually sent? I can't help thinking a threat to take you to court in 14 days might have been sent recorded delivery. Not sure if they are able, or obliged, to provide photographic evidence, but I'll certainly give that a go. As for chucking it in the bin, my guess is the contractors want you to do that. Cut costs by only sending the final demand and then they can present the council with a tidy list of offences which have not been contested or paid at the reduced amount.

[Stuart Noble]

Had I found a ticket on my windscreen, I'd have cursed and paid up. Being told for the first time 4 months later that you owe the fine plus

50% is a different matter. If the council turn the clock back to the original date and allow the option to appeal, I'll be happy with that. Now you mention it, I'm not sure if Vinci issue the tickets or just collect debts.

[Stuart Noble]

That's wicked, and not in any way "reasonable" (which I believe councils are required to be). I'd certainly appeal. Possibly the adhesive was faulty?

[shaun]

Round here Vinci attendants carry digital cameras to capture images of the misdemeanor and also an image of the ticket placed on the windscreen. Ask to see proof that the ticket was attached to the screen.

They are complete and utter bastards and work past the letter of the law. There was uproar in my local area within weeks of them taking over the contract from the council. Issuing tickets to correctly parked vehicles was the main bone of contention.

Also, uk.legal.moderated could be a help.

[Stuart Noble]

Cheers Shaun. I shall be very chuffed indeed if that's the system they operate here. They might have snapped the car from behind a bush but there won't be a ticket on it

[The Medway Handyman]

They always refer to this as a 'reduced' amount if you pay in a certain time. In fact what they are say is it will increase if you don't pay up quick - which I believe to contravene Article 7 of the EU Human Rights Act.

[Stuart Noble]

Blimey. Is that so?

[Pyriform]

I'm not sure they even have to do that. Their website proudly refers to "CCTV enforcement", so presumably these shysters can simply capture the image on CCTV and issue you a ticket, all from the comfort of their office. I wonder how long you have to be stationary before you are deemed to have parked?

[HLAH]

I think if it snowed and your windows are obscured then they could get you on the same thing :-(

H

[Peter Crosland]

Article 7 only applies to criminal offences. Most parking tickets these day are civil penalties.

Peter Crosland

[HLAH]

I think stopping to drop someone off is enough.

H

[Alho]

Have a look at the parking ticket forum at

of info and advice

Alec

[Stuart Noble]

Thanks Alec. I knew there had to be a site like this somewhere