Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Parking Charge scam at the North Mid
WARNING! ——Parking Scam at North Middlesex Hospital—— WARNING!
UK Car Park Management have sent a Parking Charge Notice to my wife after obtaining her details from the DVLA.
I have been driving her to appointments at the North Mid for years.
She is a Blue Badge holder. We display the badge each time we visit and do not pay to park.
We were not aware that the system had changed to one of number plate recognition and Blue Badge holders have to register at the main reception.
Now we have to go through the palaver of either challenging or ignoring this speculative invoice.
I have learnt that some people have even paid for parking, neglected to get a receipt, and also received a charge notice!
BEWARE
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Hugh on
-
Mmm, it does sound like pretty sharp practice.
In the end it's not likely that you'll be able to ignore the notice however. Private companies are much hotter on enforcement than they used to be. The last time I was affected I did a lot of looking round the internet. It seems that whereas you used to be able to ignore these notices, that's no longer the case. (I seem to remember there was a case which set a precedent and changed the way the companies act).
If you have grounds for appeal, I'd go through the appeal process or pay. The ignore option will most probably end up costing you more or seeing you in court.
-
Permalink Reply by Kieran Cullen on
-
Ok. Thanks Hugh. I’ll be careful
-
Permalink Reply by Philip on
-
Just spoke to someone who was caught out by this underhand method. He paid by card but received a penalty charge. His card statement only shows a payment to the parking company but of course does not verify the vehicle. Others like Ringo send you a text confirmation
-
-
That’s tough. Did they accept the information on the card statement?
-
-
I also received a parking fine last month. I had checked the new board carefully but there was no mention if blue badge holders so assumed there was no change. However, fortunately the next day I emailed the company to check, and was told that I should have registered with reception. When I received the parking notice I appealed on the basis of lack of information on the signage installed in the car park - sent the appeal off 1st class tracked delivery only to find that it got lost in the system, so have had to re send it with a copy of the original proof of posting. I don't know if the board has yet been amended, it hadn't when we revisited, but there were lots of notices inside the hospital. However that is not good enough, I am sure that legally the information must be on the board.
-
-
Thanks Pat. I haven’t been able to get back to photograph the board yet. Have you? If so, can you send me a copy?
Kieran
-
-
Sorry Kieran I didn't take a photo and not visiting again until 17th. My original visit was on 6th December; when we went on 20th we had a cab because the time of the appointment meant that we probably wouldn't be able to find a disabled space. And I was too busy trying to get my husband out of the cab to go over and look at the sign. I will let you k ow the outcome of our appeal, but it might be worthwhile you appealing also.
Pat
-
-
Ok Pat
Thanks for your reply
We go next on Monday. I’ll take a photo then, register the Blue Badge and launch an appeal. I’ll keep you posted
Kieran
-
-
I sent an appeal and copied it to nmcarpark@compass-group.co.uk as advised by reception at the hospital. I believe they are liaising with the parking company. I also copied David Lammy. He actually replied to my initial e mail!
-
-
Hopping mad Kieran as I have just received notification that my appeal has been turned down. I am now appealing to the Independent Appeals Service, as CPM just sent me the standard letter stating that the signage told Blue Badge holders what to do, totally ignoring the fact that I had emailed them the next day saying there was nothing on the board. I am visiting tomorrow so will make sure I register.i wonder how many other disabled people have been caught - a nice little earner for the parking firm.
Shirley
-
-
Ridiculous. Sorry to hear that. I shall expect the same. That e mail address given by the hospital I thought was there to help us sent me an e mall advising me to appeal within 21 days even though I copied than my appeal letter and 21 days was well gone. Fat lot of use that was.
I'm copying David Lammy's office into everything.
I'll send something to my local councillors too
I still haven't got a reply from PALS.
-
© 2024 Created by Hugh.
Powered by
