Today, I am celebrating my second successful appeal against a parking fine levied by Smart Parking Ltd at Western car park, Camber. The assessment officer for the industry adjudicator, POPLA, has written: “The burden of proof lies with the operator to demonstrate that it has issued the PCN (Parking Charge Notice) correctly. As the operator has not provided any evidence in response to the appeal, it has not demonstrated that the PCN is valid. As such, I am not satisfied that it issued the PCN correctly and I must allow this appeal.”
The process of making an appeal is not to be taken lightly, because it involves quite an emotional charge, a mixture of anxiety, indignation and determination, not good for the heart perhaps. However, the outcome is worth the hassle when one feels that the case is sound and that the operator has refused to listen to reason.
On behalf of motorists visiting Camber, Rye News has framed a series of questions sent to Rother District Council, seeking information about how Smart Parking Ltd came to be awarded the contract at Western car park and when its performance will be subject to review. Rother have advised that they require a Freedom of Information request before they can give us answers. We will be submitting this and will keep our readers informed.
Photo: Kenneth Bird
The new ticket system at the Western carpark is confusing to say the least. I visited on Wednesday 8 August with some friends and their children. I tried paying with my card three times and in the end had to pay by cash. A number of other people had the same problem. It took us half an hour to eventually buy a ticket. When we were leaving I asked the woman in the booth if there was a problem with the card reader and if I am likely to be charged. She said to make sure I keep my ticket as proof of payment and that the card machines often don’t work because the wifi is so weak at the carpark. It’s a very poor way to run a service.
Hi All
I got PCN from Western Rye Smart car parking – paid £5 for parking ticket, parking time gone over by about 25 mins ( £5 gives 3 hrs parking).
Is smart parking a legally authorised for issuing PCN? shall I pay pcn or just ignore?? appreciated your advice and help. dbcgumlek@gmail.com
Dan Maidstone kent