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Drivers can’t be chased for payment as parking ticket appeals put on hold
Parking ticket appeals have been put on ice and operators have been banned from chasing payment where an appeal has been formally lodged.
Drivers wanting to challenge parking tickets will be given more time to prepare their evidence in light of the coronavirus and in the “interests of fairness”.
The UK’s largest private parking appeals scheme, POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals) announced it has adjourned all appeals received after 6 April.
It said it is aware of the difficulties faced by both drivers and parking operators during the coronavirus situation and lockdown.
An example would be when the parking operator claims signage setting out the terms and conditions at a car park is clear but the motorist disputes this.
As revisiting a car park would be classed as non-essential travel under the government’s restrictions, some motorists are currently unable to submit effective appeals or comment on parking operator evidence.
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A statement on the website, read: “We understand motorists may not be in a position to gather evidence to submit a full appeal right now. Many want to revisit the car park and are unable to do so.”
John Gallagher, lead adjudicator at POPLA, added: “Motorists can still register new appeals on the POPLA website but they will be informed that their case has been adjourned.
“Motorists will have the opportunity to submit further appeal details and evidence when they are able to revisit car parks to gather information to support their case. When we start considering appeals again, we will write to affected motorists and give them additional time to submit their full appeal.
“My message to motorists is that if you do not submit your appeal, we may not be able to consider it later.”
The British Parking Association added that where an operator seems to be pursuing a driver while an appeal is considered, it will investigate. Motorists can email aos@britishparking.co.uk where they believe this is happening.
See YourMoney.com’s Car parking charges and traffic wardens: are they still operating in lockdown? for more information.