Got a ticket? The first golden rule: do NOT hand over your money
IF YOU have been issued with a ticket you deem to be unfair do not hand over any cash. If you do, you are effectively admitting responsibility.
While half of all appeals succeed, be prepared for a lengthy process.
Jeanette Miller is managing director of national motoring law specialist Geoffrey Miller Solicitors. She says: ‘It rarely pays to hire a lawyer in cases involving disputed car parking fines. But if you
PREPARE FOR APPEAL
are aware of the law and do your homework it will boost your chances of success.’
She points out that The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 was introduced to stamp out car clamping. But as a concession to the car park operators, it paved the way for private firms to chase motorists using details gleaned from the DVLA.
Under the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999, any sums demanded must be deemed ‘fair and reasonable’. But this still means an £85 fine for overstaying by a few minutes might be deemed fair in a court of law if it is seen as a legitimate deterrent.
Miller, president of the Association of Motor Offence Lawyers, adds: ‘Take time to prepare a case, do not just get angry. Revisit the car park, take photos, write targeted letters and be prepared to attend court.’