Parking Ticket - grounds for appeal?
Discussion
Last Friday I got back to my bike to find a parking ticket attached. I was not the only one - every bike that was parked there had been ticketed.
I have been parking here for the last six months, and from speaking to people that have left their bikes there they have been parking there for years with no tickets issued.
However Mr Warden decided that last Friday he was going to ticket all the bikes that were there. Another person that had a ticket managed to speak to Mr Warden, who stated that he had not specifically been asked to ticket the bikes there and had never ticketed bikes himself there before. He just thought he would give it a try, and actually suggested that we appeal against it. Can you believe that?!
The ticket was written as "Parked with one or more wheels on any part of an urban road other than a carriageway (footway parking)"
I obviously want to appeal (and personally think you should appeal against all Taxes like this), but am not sure what grounds to appeal on.
I genuinely thought this was private property I was parking on, there are no signs stating no parking, I was not blocking pedestrians or cars from using the road it was on, and the attendant has told us to appeal. What route do you think I should go down (whist being truthful) as to why my parking ticket should be revoked?
I went down to the road at lunchtime today (Talbot Court off Gracechurch street if you know it), and loads of bikes were there, with no tickets.
I have been parking here for the last six months, and from speaking to people that have left their bikes there they have been parking there for years with no tickets issued.
However Mr Warden decided that last Friday he was going to ticket all the bikes that were there. Another person that had a ticket managed to speak to Mr Warden, who stated that he had not specifically been asked to ticket the bikes there and had never ticketed bikes himself there before. He just thought he would give it a try, and actually suggested that we appeal against it. Can you believe that?!
The ticket was written as "Parked with one or more wheels on any part of an urban road other than a carriageway (footway parking)"
I obviously want to appeal (and personally think you should appeal against all Taxes like this), but am not sure what grounds to appeal on.
I genuinely thought this was private property I was parking on, there are no signs stating no parking, I was not blocking pedestrians or cars from using the road it was on, and the attendant has told us to appeal. What route do you think I should go down (whist being truthful) as to why my parking ticket should be revoked?
I went down to the road at lunchtime today (Talbot Court off Gracechurch street if you know it), and loads of bikes were there, with no tickets.
though.That is exactly where I was parked. Not at the Ship end, but by the entrance on the right hand side. Where the smokers from the building stand (and they have plenty of room to stand there!)
As to all the free parking in London, you are right, there is plenty of space in Swan Lane car park (although there are not a lot of bay spaces in London - they seem to have shut a lot of them down).
However if you had the choice of walking for 15 minutes in your power ranger suit, or a 5 minute walk up the stairs - what would you choose?
If it was clearly known that there was no parking there, then no problems, but as I stated initially, as far as I was aware I was OK to park there. I presume the others parked there, felt the same as well.
I am going to appeal anyway - just looking for any USEFUL advice!
As to all the free parking in London, you are right, there is plenty of space in Swan Lane car park (although there are not a lot of bay spaces in London - they seem to have shut a lot of them down).
However if you had the choice of walking for 15 minutes in your power ranger suit, or a 5 minute walk up the stairs - what would you choose?
If it was clearly known that there was no parking there, then no problems, but as I stated initially, as far as I was aware I was OK to park there. I presume the others parked there, felt the same as well.
I am going to appeal anyway - just looking for any USEFUL advice!
Don't look good Fats. Pavements are for pedestrians and its a no no to park on them. This fact doesn't have to be signed, we are all supposed to know it.
However nothing ventured nothing gained. Write back to LA with the points you make above and that parking is continuing. Point out that if enforcement necessary then it is not being applied uniformly.
They will write back either accepting your submission. If they reject then they should give information on an appeal to the Adjudicator who may take sympathy and NFA the ticket. Take this route, you never know.
You will be aware that if not paid in a certain time, fine goes up. Whilst making an appeal the increase is held in abeyance.
dvd
However nothing ventured nothing gained. Write back to LA with the points you make above and that parking is continuing. Point out that if enforcement necessary then it is not being applied uniformly.
They will write back either accepting your submission. If they reject then they should give information on an appeal to the Adjudicator who may take sympathy and NFA the ticket. Take this route, you never know.
You will be aware that if not paid in a certain time, fine goes up. Whilst making an appeal the increase is held in abeyance.
dvd
Get in touch directly with the council (by phone) and get the email address of the person in charge of the dept.
Then send them a mail (inc pics) and state the position. If you come across as well informed and likely to cause a little trouble (but be ultra polite - being rude will just mean they nail you and enjoy it)....
Worked for me 5 times now in the last year in my local area - I am now on first name terms with those in the ticket office and they've cancelled every ticket I have been issued becuase I'm reasonable about things and they can't be bothered with any hassle....
Then send them a mail (inc pics) and state the position. If you come across as well informed and likely to cause a little trouble (but be ultra polite - being rude will just mean they nail you and enjoy it)....
Worked for me 5 times now in the last year in my local area - I am now on first name terms with those in the ticket office and they've cancelled every ticket I have been issued becuase I'm reasonable about things and they can't be bothered with any hassle....
Not quite the same - but a couple of years ago Hackney was trying to extend the CPZ's in the area. My little area fought it and were exempted. I live in a cul-de-sac a couple of streets away from main road.
On our street everyone parks with two wheels on pavement (both sides of road). Although strictly illegal, it means there is enough space for cars/trucks etc to get down street.
Anyway, just after our little battle a couple of parking attendants came along and ticketed about 8 cars who were parked (including one who was actually on his drive in front of garage). When confronted they said they did not want to but had been told to by their supervisor.
We immediately got in touch with Hackney Gazette and explained to them what had happened - they sent a reporter/photographer down and took pictures of the cars parked "legally" leaving no room for anyone to get through. We also contacted the council who virtually immediately scrapped the tickets when we explained the situation and that parking had been like that (on kerb) since houses/road was built about 14 years ago.
It can sometimes pay to complain.
On our street everyone parks with two wheels on pavement (both sides of road). Although strictly illegal, it means there is enough space for cars/trucks etc to get down street.
Anyway, just after our little battle a couple of parking attendants came along and ticketed about 8 cars who were parked (including one who was actually on his drive in front of garage). When confronted they said they did not want to but had been told to by their supervisor.
We immediately got in touch with Hackney Gazette and explained to them what had happened - they sent a reporter/photographer down and took pictures of the cars parked "legally" leaving no room for anyone to get through. We also contacted the council who virtually immediately scrapped the tickets when we explained the situation and that parking had been like that (on kerb) since houses/road was built about 14 years ago.
It can sometimes pay to complain.
BliarOut said:
Can't help with the ticket, but for the future, cover your number plate with a rag held on by an elastic band and hide the tax disc. Wardens are not allowed to touch the bike to take the rag off 
Is it just me, or does anyone else think you will definitely come back to your bike to find a ticket. The rag will be elsewhere, where it was "blown" or "fell" or "never on there your honour".
You could be right though, 'cos Wardens never do stuff they ain't supposed to, do they!!!!
Please try this, and let us know what happens (with photo's). If they ticket everyone else, and yours ain't got one, and the rags still on, I'll give a donation to a charity of your choice.
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