Parking ticket- should we appeal?

[SquishTheWhale]

Last week DH went to our local Doctors surgery for an appointment. Since the last time either of us have been they have introduced a parking system where you must register your car while parked. There's no charge for parking but you do have to register. DH, displaying a spectacular lack of observation skills, did not notice the signs on every lamppost in the car park or the two giant banners in reception saying this. I would assume they have introduced this as the surgery is next to a school and people must park there while picking their kids up so they are cracking down on it.

So he has received a parking ticket for £100 or £60 if paid quickly for 'not holding the correct permit'. I thought it was worth an appeal so sent them proof DH did have an appointment at the time of parking, but I've just received a letter saying the appeal was denied and basically tough cookies it's your responsibility to register your car.

I think he should pay the £60 as there are signs everywhere warning about the charge so they don't have to back down (I've been down there and seen them for myself). He wants to appeal again via POPLA but obviously if we do that we lose our chance to pay at the reduced rate.

What do you guys think- appeal or just pay it?

[floridasgirl]

If would agree with you, just pay. Not really got much argument against it if there were signs everywhere!

[Guest]

It seems like a fair fine to me. I think he should pay the £60 while he can.

[markpwa8]

Is it a council ticket or a private company running the car park?

[Smilesonfaces]

I wouldn’t be happy about it but I would just pay too. Is it possible to pay but still go to POPLA ? Husband had 5 bus lane fines- the same time, same place, Monday to Friday one week. We paid the fines at the time so we could pay the lower amount but appealed and eventually was reimbursed.

[roxie2001]

I would pay (we had a fine last year for not getting a pay and display. It was very early morning at a pub car park, we were just dropping off Dd and was there 10 minutes. Oh assured me no one would be about but they had cameras, obviously this was our fault so I just paid it and learnt my lesson)
I think it’s bondy lad that would disagree though, he seems to know his stuff.

[Bartswife]

As annoying as it is if there were enough signs to let patients know then he was totally at fault for not noticing, I would pay up. Lesson learned. DS is always doing stupid things like this, driving in a bus lane, didn’t notice the road markings, parking in residents only areas and displaying a parking fee ticket upside downdoes he ever learn - no

[FlorayG]

Pay up. They will have a photograph of his car that includes the sign he didn't see, to prove it was visible

[SquishTheWhale]

Originally Posted by markpwa8

Is it a council ticket or a private company running the car park?

See more...

Its a private company

[markpwa8]

Then not a chance I would pay. They may threaten payment is required etc, but see Martin Lewis website for further advice. I have had several and never paid one.