Legal but IMO unfair/immoral parking ticket
Discussion
My Dad’s Gardner has been given a Parking ticket outside my dad’s house whilst working for him.
My dad had given him his “guest” pass which he had put in the window.
I am told it had fallen over face down and although visible was face down on the dash of the van (it’s a great big wedge shaped bit card.
The Gardner was just going to pay (think dad may be helping him out) it but I really think he should appeal. Is this not what the appeals process if for.
Potential emotional stuff, dad is a disabled OAP, cant afford to loose Gardener. Garden is the life work of my late mum which he will be unable to maintain and will rapidly become overgrow,
Dad would never persue it to court or even go down to the council, but I did say I would help him with a letter appeal.
Any advice please
My dad had given him his “guest” pass which he had put in the window.
I am told it had fallen over face down and although visible was face down on the dash of the van (it’s a great big wedge shaped bit card.
The Gardner was just going to pay (think dad may be helping him out) it but I really think he should appeal. Is this not what the appeals process if for.
Potential emotional stuff, dad is a disabled OAP, cant afford to loose Gardener. Garden is the life work of my late mum which he will be unable to maintain and will rapidly become overgrow,
Dad would never persue it to court or even go down to the council, but I did say I would help him with a letter appeal.
Any advice please
Definitely write in immediately and don't worry if the ticket offers a half price deal within x days - most councils will extend the 'half price' period whilst an informal appeal is in process. (certainly true in London, not sure outside).
I had one in Westminster where my temporary permit got blown upside down as I closed the car door on a really windy day, I informally appealed and they cancelled it. Legitimately issued ticket but cancelled through goodwill.
I would advise a very polite letter - the ticket was issued correctly (in terms of the permit infringement anyway) - and the council has no requirement to cancel it. The emotional aspects would be very worthwhile. I think the letter basically just tells the complete truth, that the gardener is always careful to display the permit properly but on this occasion he is really upset that it ended up face down, you appreciate the fact that the council enforce residents' parking so efficiently but would be very grateful if they are able to cancel the ticket on this occasion. etc. etc.
If the council decide to be arses, consider playing hardball (but on other grounds - repost here or check out pepipoo).
I had one in Westminster where my temporary permit got blown upside down as I closed the car door on a really windy day, I informally appealed and they cancelled it. Legitimately issued ticket but cancelled through goodwill.
I would advise a very polite letter - the ticket was issued correctly (in terms of the permit infringement anyway) - and the council has no requirement to cancel it. The emotional aspects would be very worthwhile. I think the letter basically just tells the complete truth, that the gardener is always careful to display the permit properly but on this occasion he is really upset that it ended up face down, you appreciate the fact that the council enforce residents' parking so efficiently but would be very grateful if they are able to cancel the ticket on this occasion. etc. etc.
If the council decide to be arses, consider playing hardball (but on other grounds - repost here or check out pepipoo).
Is there a photo of the ticket (and lack of permit) ?
Definitely write a letter: -
Dear sirs,
re: parking ticket ref: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
on xx April 2007, I, Mr XXXXXXXXXXX, owner of Make / Model / Reg, was tending to the garden of a disabled customer of mine, Mr YYY, of XX Road, XXXXXXX.
Mr YYY had given me his "guest" pass, which I had clearly displayed in my vehicle.
I have received a ticket - alleging that the permit was not visible. I do not believe this to be the case.
I work at the property of Mr YYY every xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, and always display a valid permit when I am there.
I wish you to consider this situation as I feel the ticket was unfair and not valid. Please reply to this letter via mail to (my address) asap, preferably within 10 working days so that I can put an end to this.
Yours sincerely,
Johnny Gardener.
Definitely write a letter: -
letter said:
Dear sirs,
re: parking ticket ref: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
on xx April 2007, I, Mr XXXXXXXXXXX, owner of Make / Model / Reg, was tending to the garden of a disabled customer of mine, Mr YYY, of XX Road, XXXXXXX.
Mr YYY had given me his "guest" pass, which I had clearly displayed in my vehicle.
I have received a ticket - alleging that the permit was not visible. I do not believe this to be the case.
I work at the property of Mr YYY every xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, and always display a valid permit when I am there.
I wish you to consider this situation as I feel the ticket was unfair and not valid. Please reply to this letter via mail to (my address) asap, preferably within 10 working days so that I can put an end to this.
Yours sincerely,
Johnny Gardener.
russian rocket said:
My Dad’s Gardner has been given a Parking ticket outside my dad’s house whilst working for him.
My dad had given him his “guest” pass which he had put in the window.
I am told it had fallen over face down and although visible was face down on the dash of the van (it’s a great big wedge shaped bit card.
The Gardner was just going to pay (think dad may be helping him out) it but I really think he should appeal. Is this not what the appeals process if for.
Potential emotional stuff, dad is a disabled OAP, cant afford to loose Gardener. Garden is the life work of my late mum which he will be unable to maintain and will rapidly become overgrow,
Dad would never persue it to court or even go down to the council, but I did say I would help him with a letter appeal.
Any advice please
My dad had given him his “guest” pass which he had put in the window.
I am told it had fallen over face down and although visible was face down on the dash of the van (it’s a great big wedge shaped bit card.
The Gardner was just going to pay (think dad may be helping him out) it but I really think he should appeal. Is this not what the appeals process if for.
Potential emotional stuff, dad is a disabled OAP, cant afford to loose Gardener. Garden is the life work of my late mum which he will be unable to maintain and will rapidly become overgrow,
Dad would never persue it to court or even go down to the council, but I did say I would help him with a letter appeal.
Any advice please
I think you have explained your appeal very well.
The only thing I would add is that (bluffing) that you are also considering appealing to the local paper to run the same story!
It will probably work, but even if it doesnt, papers pay for their stories, and even if they dont, I am sure that they wouldnt mind the little endnote of the story they are running that the fine was covered by the newspaper!
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