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Drivers advised not to pay parking tickets
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| Van parked on disabled bays at Ealing Broadway Station. |
DRIVERS are being advised not to pay parking tickets issued by a parking management firm operating in front of Ealing Broadway Station.
The head of Ealing Council's trading standards department told the Ealing Times that people hit with the notices issued by Park Direct should wait until the company starts court proceedings before paying the fines of £160.
However the owner of Park Direct has warned anyone not paying tickets will be taken to county court and be hit with the full costs.
Dozens of people from across the country have contacted the paper as part of our clamping campaign, complaining about fines issued while they backed into bays to allow people to pass, or to collect loved ones.
Doug Love, head of trading standards at Ealing Council, said: "Contrary to what it says on the top of the notices this company are sending out, the driver and not the registered keeper is liable.
"These tickets should not be mistaken for fines, they are in fact just claims.
"This is a private parking company and, as such, the notices they send out for vehicles on private property are matters of civil law, and are not a criminal matter, like tickets issued by local authorities.
"The only way they can successfully sue the driver is to pursue it through the county court, and then the court will decide the level of compensation to award for the inconvenience."
One driver who been issued with a ticket is Peter Pribisevic, who lives in Nichols Green, Ealing.
He was so incensed by the ticket, he spent an hour stopping drivers from parking in the bays to help them avoid being issued with similar claims.
He said: "I was given a ticket after my car was used to drop someone off at the station.
"I went down to the station and watched as the operatives for the company took photos of unsuspecting people.
"They had one van parked across two disabled bays and the other on the double yellow lines outside the station which meant people were forced into the parking bays.
"I decided to warn people not to park there, and kept stepping in front of one girl as she went to take photos of cars pulling in.
"The signs down there at the time were tiny and placed in bays so you had to pull into them before you saw them, and by then it is too late.
"These companies need better regulation to stop them charging such huge amounts. If they want to stop people parking in the bays they should use bollards."
However, Albie Saliba, the owner of Park Direct, insists the company is doing nothing illegal, and will pursue claims through the courts if necessary. He added that a new sign had been put up at the entrance last week.
In a frank interview he said: "My company are one of the most professional in the business, all my employees wear uniforms and are trained to behave responsibly.
"This is an incredibly busy area and the rate people come in and out means if they were allowed to park in the bays there would be no room for the shopkeepers there, and that is the reason we choose to avoid clamping.
"Any unpaid tickets are passed on to a debt collection firm who will pursue this issue through the courts if necessary, and if drivers choose to go that far they can expect to be hit with the full claim, which includes lawyers' fees.
"I believe the signs at the station are as good as they can be, I want to make it as clear as possible for people not to park there.
"We are always fair in the way we carry out our business, and our aim is to stop people parking where they shouldn't."
He also promised to take action against the employees who had parked across the disabled bays saying it was against company policy.
9:38am Friday 1st February 2008
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CommentPosted by: Steve Emerson, ealing common on 1:35pm Sat 2 Feb 08
I got a ticket there about 6 months ago and paid it for fear of court action.I had pulled into a bay in the evening picking up my girlfriend and noticed the sign on the wall.I pulled out of the bay within a minute but got a fine as some brain dead uneducated monkey took a picture of the car in the bay.On a similiar note another day i pulled up at the bus stop outside and got a fine from ealing council which said i was on the zig zags.The picture they sent me clearly showed i wasnt so after i send them a "friendly" letter they admitted there mistake and cancelled it.I am orignally from Ireland but have lived in Birmingham and Milton Keynes before moving to Ealing in August and can safely say Ealing is a disgrace for parking fines and basically ripping off its citizens.That applies to the council and private companies.Ive noticed on Leopold Road that the stickers dont stick to the windows properely as they are not sticky enough and many people are getting fines as the pay and display docket has fallen onto the seat.I had this happen to me the day i viewed my new flat and despite sending a letter and a copy of the docket which had fallen they refused to cancel it.
Apologies for rambling on but I was so happy to see this article printed.I drive in and around london all the time as i work in news but the only time ive had any traffic/parking fine etc is in "money grabbing Ealing!"
I got a ticket there about 6 months ago and paid it for fear of court action.I had pulled into a bay in the evening picking up my girlfriend and noticed the sign on the wall.I pulled out of the bay within a minute but got a fine as some brain dead uneducated monkey took a picture of the car in the bay.On a similiar note another day i pulled up at the bus stop outside and got a fine from ealing council which said i was on the zig zags.The picture they sent me clearly showed i wasnt so after i send them a "friendly" letter they admitted there mistake and cancelled it.I am orignally from Ireland but have lived in Birmingham and Milton Keynes before moving to Ealing in August and can safely say Ealing is a disgrace for parking fines and basically ripping off its citizens.That applies to the council and private companies.Ive noticed on Leopold Road that the stickers dont stick to the windows properely as they are not sticky enough and many people are getting fines as the pay and display docket has fallen onto the seat.I had this happen to me the day i viewed my new flat and despite sending a letter and a copy of the docket which had fallen they refused to cancel it.
Apologies for rambling on but I was so happy to see this article printed.I drive in and around london all the time as i work in news but the only time ive had any traffic/parking fine etc is in "money grabbing Ealing!"
Posted by: stevey, Northolt on 12:53am Sun 3 Feb 08
Gave up on Ealing as a place to shop years ago. It`s a grey depressing area that as people have said is a rip off.
Now travel to Uxbridge with easy uncluttered parking.
Gave up on Ealing as a place to shop years ago. It`s a grey depressing area that as people have said is a rip off.
Now travel to Uxbridge with easy uncluttered parking.
Posted by: Martin Dawson, Basildon on 12:11pm Sun 3 Feb 08
The website nomoreparkingtickets
.com has a book which tells you everything you need to know about these vultures. It covers the laws and it is surprisingly easy to avoid paying these 'invoices'. I had a company cancel a ticket only at the end of december. never pay these tickets, they are not worth the paper they are written on
The website nomoreparkingtickets
.com has a book which tells you everything you need to know about these vultures. It covers the laws and it is surprisingly easy to avoid paying these 'invoices'. I had a company cancel a ticket only at the end of december. never pay these tickets, they are not worth the paper they are written on
Posted by: andrzej on 6:32pm Fri 8 Feb 08
I have been following this as my son was "caught" by this company.
His story is the same as others. He called at the station on a Sunday, and in a parking bay and read the sign. He did not get out of his car, indeed he did not even switch his engine off.
He has been following the guidance in the article and ignoring the letters - which again were exactly as the others.
Today he has a letter from Collect Direct (London) Limited, a debt collecting agency in Stockley Park company number 6480876. He called and explained the situation to them, and I confirmed his call in an email.
I have just looked at companies house, and see that this company was incorporated on the 23rd January 2008, and my sons letter, and no doubt those to others was dated 25th January 2008 (although only received here today 8th February.
All a bit coincidental - and no doubt linked. Still trying to extract money - surely this is fraud??
I have been following this as my son was "caught" by this company.
His story is the same as others. He called at the station on a Sunday, and in a parking bay and read the sign. He did not get out of his car, indeed he did not even switch his engine off.
He has been following the guidance in the article and ignoring the letters - which again were exactly as the others.
Today he has a letter from Collect Direct (London) Limited, a debt collecting agency in Stockley Park company number 6480876. He called and explained the situation to them, and I confirmed his call in an email.
I have just looked at companies house, and see that this company was incorporated on the 23rd January 2008, and my sons letter, and no doubt those to others was dated 25th January 2008 (although only received here today 8th February.
All a bit coincidental - and no doubt linked. Still trying to extract money - surely this is fraud??
Posted by: harry, ealing broadway on 2:04pm Tue 12 Feb 08
Firstly the important thing to remember is that Private Parking Companies are not backed by any aspect of criminal law. Tickets from Traffic Wardens working for the police or local authorities or tickets issued by police officers are. There are provisions for them in the Road Traffic Act 1991 and these provisions allow sanctions that the issuing authority can take.
PRIVATE PARKING COMPANIES RELY ON THE LAW OF CONTRACT
And while contract law can be a minefield of offer, acceptance, terms, implied terms and clauses, it can be surprisingly easy to understand in terms of every day matters such as this.
Essentially when a driver of a vehicle drives into a car park and parks his car he is implied to accept the offer for parking on the terms of the offeror (the parking company or land owner). A contract is formed and therefore the contract can be broken (or breached).
[bold]ONLY THE DRIVER AND THE OWNER OF THE LAND ARE A PARTY TO THE CONTRACT UNLESS THE PARKING COMPANY ACTS AS THEIR AGENT[/bold]
Therefore should you receive an INVOICE from a PPC as the keeper of a vehicle and you do not know who was driving, I suggest you tell them this and tell them not to contact you again. You are under no obligation whatsoever to provide any information to the PPC. Refuse to do so.
All parking companies seeking access to the DVLA register must be members of an accredited association with a clear code of conduct. The only such associaton that exists at this time is the British Parking Association (BPA)
“Notices giving full details of the parking contravention and the proposed course of action to be taken by the enforcer should be placed in a prominent position on the ‘offending’ vehicle without causing it damage. Vehicle keepers should be made aware that their name and address will be requested from the DVLA”.
Therefore if the PPC do not put a ticket on your vehicle they breach the voluntary code and have obtained your details from the DVLA under false pretences. COMPLAIN TO THE DVLA, the BPA and the DATA COMMISSIONER.
Mention this issue to the PPC.
Firstly the important thing to remember is that Private Parking Companies are not backed by any aspect of criminal law. Tickets from Traffic Wardens working for the police or local authorities or tickets issued by police officers are. There are provisions for them in the Road Traffic Act 1991 and these provisions allow sanctions that the issuing authority can take.
PRIVATE PARKING COMPANIES RELY ON THE LAW OF CONTRACT
And while contract law can be a minefield of offer, acceptance, terms, implied terms and clauses, it can be surprisingly easy to understand in terms of every day matters such as this.
Essentially when a driver of a vehicle drives into a car park and parks his car he is implied to accept the offer for parking on the terms of the offeror (the parking company or land owner). A contract is formed and therefore the contract can be broken (or breached).
ONLY THE DRIVER AND THE OWNER OF THE LAND ARE A PARTY TO THE CONTRACT UNLESS THE PARKING COMPANY ACTS AS THEIR AGENT
Therefore should you receive an INVOICE from a PPC as the keeper of a vehicle and you do not know who was driving, I suggest you tell them this and tell them not to contact you again. You are under no obligation whatsoever to provide any information to the PPC. Refuse to do so.
All parking companies seeking access to the DVLA register must be members of an accredited association with a clear code of conduct. The only such associaton that exists at this time is the British Parking Association (BPA)
“Notices giving full details of the parking contravention and the proposed course of action to be taken by the enforcer should be placed in a prominent position on the ‘offending’ vehicle without causing it damage. Vehicle keepers should be made aware that their name and address will be requested from the DVLA”.
Therefore if the PPC do not put a ticket on your vehicle they breach the voluntary code and have obtained your details from the DVLA under false pretences. COMPLAIN TO THE DVLA, the BPA and the DATA COMMISSIONER.
Mention this issue to the PPC.
Posted by: Chris Mapp, Bradford on 8:19pm Tue 12 Feb 08
I have copied the email I have just sent to their 'Collection Agency' below. I would suggest others laugh at them too!
Dear Mr P Wilkinson
Collect Direct (London) Limited
OK Chaps, you must have had your fun by now!
A telephone number that doesn't work, a Hotmail email account??? Who are you kidding!
I hope this scam brings you a lot of money so you can move abroad soon - the matter has been reported to the Fraud office and I'm sure they will have a laugh too!
Next time you try to scam people out of their hard-earned, I suggest you incorporate more than a month before you try to 'Collect' debts* which are not due, refer to your 'Clients' dealings* with the offender in question, have some proper letterheads* printed, get a telephone number* that works (and answer it) and set up a proper email address*. And for god's sake make up a longer PCN Reference* than EA636. Honestly, if you had only spent around £500 on the above you may have fished me in. Oh - and a signature* which is more than a quick squiggle would have given me the chance to believe at least you have made some effort here.
Now that you have the heads up, don't ever try to bother me again. FYI - Park Direct (another scam, quite possibly) canceled the PCN in December. Their letter confirming cancellation was issued on 20th November, apparently 7 days before the 'offence' was committed* according to your letter. I live in Bradford, and my vehicle has never been near Ealing.
I don't make it a habit to give criminals tips, but I really believe you must be too stupid to make this work. Following your demented progress in the red-tops would be fun, but I reckon winning a Darwin Award would be an achievement for you.
If, on the other hand, you are genuinely trying to operate an efficient and legal business, then get your heads out of your arses and act like it. Honestly, I am surprised you managed to turn on the computer, let alone get my registration number right.
If you would like to give me a good laugh, feel free to give me a call. I'm sure any legitimate company should be able to get my number with no problem. I'll give you a hint... it starts '07...'
C Mapp
(NB - Schoolboy errors have been marked with '*')
I have copied the email I have just sent to their 'Collection Agency' below. I would suggest others laugh at them too!
Dear Mr P Wilkinson
Collect Direct (London) Limited
OK Chaps, you must have had your fun by now!
A telephone number that doesn't work, a Hotmail email account??? Who are you kidding!
I hope this scam brings you a lot of money so you can move abroad soon - the matter has been reported to the Fraud office and I'm sure they will have a laugh too!
Next time you try to scam people out of their hard-earned, I suggest you incorporate more than a month before you try to 'Collect' debts* which are not due, refer to your 'Clients' dealings* with the offender in question, have some proper letterheads* printed, get a telephone number* that works (and answer it) and set up a proper email address*. And for god's sake make up a longer PCN Reference* than EA636. Honestly, if you had only spent around £500 on the above you may have fished me in. Oh - and a signature* which is more than a quick squiggle would have given me the chance to believe at least you have made some effort here.
Now that you have the heads up, don't ever try to bother me again. FYI - Park Direct (another scam, quite possibly) canceled the PCN in December. Their letter confirming cancellation was issued on 20th November, apparently 7 days before the 'offence' was committed* according to your letter. I live in Bradford, and my vehicle has never been near Ealing.
I don't make it a habit to give criminals tips, but I really believe you must be too stupid to make this work. Following your demented progress in the red-tops would be fun, but I reckon winning a Darwin Award would be an achievement for you.
If, on the other hand, you are genuinely trying to operate an efficient and legal business, then get your heads out of your arses and act like it. Honestly, I am surprised you managed to turn on the computer, let alone get my registration number right.
If you would like to give me a good laugh, feel free to give me a call. I'm sure any legitimate company should be able to get my number with no problem. I'll give you a hint... it starts '07...'
C Mapp
(NB - Schoolboy errors have been marked with '*')
Posted by: baz kumar, southall on 12:07pm Thu 14 Feb 08
the company also runs at freshwater court southall giving hefty 360p fines, and also residents end up paying.
the company also runs at freshwater court southall giving hefty 360p fines, and also residents end up paying.
Posted by: You have to Laugh!, Sunny Ealing on 12:30pm Thu 14 Feb 08
I have today received my letter from the debt collection company. mmmm I might send them a "pcn" for leaving their letter on my doorstep for 10 minutes this morning!!
Park Direct are crooks - DONT PAY!
I have today received my letter from the debt collection company. mmmm I might send them a "pcn" for leaving their letter on my doorstep for 10 minutes this morning!!
Park Direct are crooks - DONT PAY!
Posted by: N Kaser, Ealing on 11:06am Fri 15 Feb 08
Not only do I recommend people avoid shopping in Ealing in general due to the ridiculously high parking charges in the public car parks, but I'd strongly advise them to boycott the businesses that actually employ this shoddy parking company Park Direct. If you're driving into Ealing, you might as well go that bit further (or even closer) into Brent Cross where parking is free and it's a much more welcoming environment for shoppers altogether!
Not only do I recommend people avoid shopping in Ealing in general due to the ridiculously high parking charges in the public car parks, but I'd strongly advise them to boycott the businesses that actually employ this shoddy parking company Park Direct. If you're driving into Ealing, you might as well go that bit further (or even closer) into Brent Cross where parking is free and it's a much more welcoming environment for shoppers altogether!
Posted by: Ruby, Southall on 4:24pm Sun 17 Feb 08
I've been hit by these losers!
It happened yesterday, when i pulled into a bay and hadn't even turned my engine off, started reading the sign when a man came and knocked on my window flashing a clamp in my face telling me to move off. So i didn't bother reading the rest of the sign, and reversed out.
However as i pulled out a man came up to my car and informed me of this petty little scam. Telling me they had taken a picture and would soon issue me a fine (which i dont want)
I dont know what to do now as i dont want to pay this fine.
Whats the best step to take?
I've been hit by these losers!
It happened yesterday, when i pulled into a bay and hadn't even turned my engine off, started reading the sign when a man came and knocked on my window flashing a clamp in my face telling me to move off. So i didn't bother reading the rest of the sign, and reversed out.
However as i pulled out a man came up to my car and informed me of this petty little scam. Telling me they had taken a picture and would soon issue me a fine (which i dont want)
I dont know what to do now as i dont want to pay this fine.
Whats the best step to take?
Posted by: ann bishop, Ealing on 12:09pm Fri 22 Feb 08
This company are talking aload of old rubbish. These so called tickets are not worth the paper they are written on. Many people given tickets have commented on a site called www.pepipoo.com and the advice given on there is brilliant. If anyone has been ticketed and photographed at Ealing station I would advise them to look at this site and don't pay.
This company are talking aload of old rubbish. These so called tickets are not worth the paper they are written on. Many people given tickets have commented on a site called www.pepipoo.com and the advice given on there is brilliant. If anyone has been ticketed and photographed at Ealing station I would advise them to look at this site and don't pay.
Posted by: the rookie, Warwickshire on 8:00am Sat 23 Feb 08
Under contract law, the maximum they can recover in court is the costs they have suffered as a result of the parkers actions, in most cases I would suggest that will amount to about £0.00! They will readily threaten court action, but despite the thousands of threats I know of no properly defended court action that has actually resulted in the private company even attending the hearing, so they know how unenforceable the invoices are, but they are quite willing to act like old fashioned gangsters with their threats and 'debt collection agencies' (who have no more legal right than they do - and are usually the same outfit at the same address anyway!
Under contract law, the maximum they can recover in court is the costs they have suffered as a result of the parkers actions, in most cases I would suggest that will amount to about £0.00! They will readily threaten court action, but despite the thousands of threats I know of no properly defended court action that has actually resulted in the private company even attending the hearing, so they know how unenforceable the invoices are, but they are quite willing to act like old fashioned gangsters with their threats and 'debt collection agencies' (who have no more legal right than they do - and are usually the same outfit at the same address anyway!
Posted by: harry, ealing on 7:50pm Mon 25 Feb 08
park direct have also appeared on watchdog on the 25th Feb 2008. the girl with the scruffy hair told me that even if my tyre touched the are, they can charge me £60! DO NOT PAY THESE IDIOTS!
[bold]http://www.bbc.co.uk
/consumer/tv_and_rad
io/watchdog/reports/
services/services_20
071205.shtml[/bold]
park direct have also appeared on watchdog on the 25th Feb 2008. the girl with the scruffy hair told me that even if my tyre touched the are, they can charge me £60! DO NOT PAY THESE IDIOTS!
http://www.bbc.co.uk
/consumer/tv_and_rad
io/watchdog/reports/
services/services_20
071205.shtml Posted by: Ruby, Southall on 7:47pm Tue 26 Feb 08
Ive recieved my fine today. They say i have 28 days to pay £160 and if paid within 1 days i can pay £60 as the full cash settlement. Otherwise i may be taken to court or threatened with bailifs to claim the money.
I dont believe them anymore and am not going to pay.
Besides i have to be issued with a ticket on the spot (which i wasnt') so therefore legally i dont have to pay and i wont!
Sod 'em!
DONT PAY THESE LOSERS!
Ive recieved my fine today. They say i have 28 days to pay £160 and if paid within 1 days i can pay £60 as the full cash settlement. Otherwise i may be taken to court or threatened with bailifs to claim the money.
I dont believe them anymore and am not going to pay.
Besides i have to be issued with a ticket on the spot (which i wasnt') so therefore legally i dont have to pay and i wont!
Sod 'em!
DONT PAY THESE LOSERS!
Posted by: Paul, Ealing on 11:46pm Tue 26 Feb 08
I've also just received one of this dodgy parking letters - what a scam I certainly won't be paying however I am confuded with the trading standards advice - are they saying at some point you have to pay?
Ealing Times that people hit with the notices issued by Park Direct should wait until the company starts court proceedings before paying the fines of £160.
I've also just received one of this dodgy parking letters - what a scam I certainly won't be paying however I am confuded with the trading standards advice - are they saying at some point you have to pay?
Ealing Times that people hit with the notices issued by Park Direct should wait until the company starts court proceedings before paying the fines of £160.
Posted by: T Carr, Chiswick on 1:10pm Wed 27 Feb 08
These guys are crooks. They sent a PCN to my home address, but it was addressed to a company I have never heard of. I called them to tell them this and they accused me of giving the wrong details to the DVLA. When I called the DVLA they said it was my name registered and they had never heard of the company either. I google the name of the company and they were a railway advertising agency. Where did I park? Ealing Station! I don't think their fake PCN would stand up in court, and I am quite happy for them to start legal proceedings against a company that I have no connection to!
These guys are crooks. They sent a PCN to my home address, but it was addressed to a company I have never heard of. I called them to tell them this and they accused me of giving the wrong details to the DVLA. When I called the DVLA they said it was my name registered and they had never heard of the company either. I google the name of the company and they were a railway advertising agency. Where did I park? Ealing Station! I don't think their fake PCN would stand up in court, and I am quite happy for them to start legal proceedings against a company that I have no connection to!
Posted by: Chris, Ealing on 11:57am Fri 29 Feb 08
I have just received one of these letters today and I was shocked and angry. I think this is ridiculous! I will be heading down there to take a further look.
Thanks for the advice above, I shall be taking a look at the links.
Chris.
I have just received one of these letters today and I was shocked and angry. I think this is ridiculous! I will be heading down there to take a further look.
Thanks for the advice above, I shall be taking a look at the links.
Chris.
Posted by: vinay on 1:22pm Mon 3 Mar 08
got a letter about 6 days ago to pay a fine of 60p but my car has never been to ealing station, and the photo sent to me was of a Vauxhall Vectra when i own an Astra and the picture of the number plate is also different. i have miss placed this letter for i wanted to write to them with this information so if anyone can help me with an address to write would be appriciated. thanks
got a letter about 6 days ago to pay a fine of 60p but my car has never been to ealing station, and the photo sent to me was of a Vauxhall Vectra when i own an Astra and the picture of the number plate is also different. i have miss placed this letter for i wanted to write to them with this information so if anyone can help me with an address to write would be appriciated. thanks
Posted by: Veronica Grant, Harrow on 2:06pm Tue 4 Mar 08
I parked in a department store car park and was issued with a ticket by CPS( Controlled parking services Ltd in watford, the said I was parked in a staff car parking bay, I have not paid or responded to their letters
I parked in a department store car park and was issued with a ticket by CPS( Controlled parking services Ltd in watford, the said I was parked in a staff car parking bay, I have not paid or responded to their letters
Posted by: Vik, Ealing on 11:17am Tue 1 Apr 08
I have got one of these fines from these con-artists. Had it for 28 days now and am waiting to see what happens next. Spoke to Trading Standards, they logged my call but didnt really give me any advice. Does anyone know what Watchdog said about it?
I have got one of these fines from these con-artists. Had it for 28 days now and am waiting to see what happens next. Spoke to Trading Standards, they logged my call but didnt really give me any advice. Does anyone know what Watchdog said about it?
Posted by: BUSA, Ealing on 8:01am Thu 17 Apr 08
How many complains will it take to get some help from the Police?
I got the same abusive Parking Charge Notice of £150!!!
Outrageous!
How many complains will it take to get some help from the Police?
I got the same abusive Parking Charge Notice of £150!!!
Outrageous!
Posted by: karen, lincs on 10:56am Fri 25 Apr 08
I don't normally write in, but I just want to say a big thanks to all who have given help on this report.
I received one of these letters which clearly showed photos of two different cars claimed to be mine. My son found this article and has put my mind at rest. Otherwise I could have spent ages trying to deal with these fraudsters. Now I'm not even going to respond.Thanks again to all who posted advice
I don't normally write in, but I just want to say a big thanks to all who have given help on this report.
I received one of these letters which clearly showed photos of two different cars claimed to be mine. My son found this article and has put my mind at rest. Otherwise I could have spent ages trying to deal with these fraudsters. Now I'm not even going to respond.Thanks again to all who posted advice
Posted by: James, London on 3:50pm Mon 12 May 08
In addition to the well aired complaints, I'd like to add a complaint about the issuing incompetence of this scam running company. I view it as a scam as they don't begin to inform people about the presence of the camera. Incompetent because they feel they can issue their PCN's up to 3 months after the "incident". The council has a limit of 28 days, which seems excessive as it seems, but these guys view the public as an open ended cheque book!
In addition to the well aired complaints, I'd like to add a complaint about the issuing incompetence of this scam running company. I view it as a scam as they don't begin to inform people about the presence of the camera. Incompetent because they feel they can issue their PCN's up to 3 months after the "incident". The council has a limit of 28 days, which seems excessive as it seems, but these guys view the public as an open ended cheque book!
Posted by: Sid, Ruislip on 8:49pm Wed 14 May 08
This is absurd..guys they are still doing this scam! I am the most recent 'victim'! got a letter yesterday for £60 fine...this is really frustrating!
This is absurd..guys they are still doing this scam! I am the most recent 'victim'! got a letter yesterday for £60 fine...this is really frustrating!
Posted by: John Thackray, Hanwell, London on 10:02am Sat 17 May 08
I've just received a fine for dropping someone off at the station. I was sitting in the drivers seat all the time and didn't get out of the car. It was a Sunday at lunch time - the two parking bays on either side were EMPTY! RIDICULOUS!! Any advice? Please email johninmossel@hotmail
.com
I've just received a fine for dropping someone off at the station. I was sitting in the drivers seat all the time and didn't get out of the car. It was a Sunday at lunch time - the two parking bays on either side were EMPTY! RIDICULOUS!! Any advice? Please email johninmossel@hotmail
.com
Posted by: Lyall on 11:01am Wed 21 May 08
Just got one from park direct for dropping my girlfriend at the station. By what has been posted online and reading about these private car parks, I won't be paying and will have to ride this one out even though I am usually a fan of just paying and biting my teeth.
Just got one from park direct for dropping my girlfriend at the station. By what has been posted online and reading about these private car parks, I won't be paying and will have to ride this one out even though I am usually a fan of just paying and biting my teeth.
Posted by: Paul, Ealing on 2:28am Sat 24 May 08
I've just ignored the letters the last was in Feb and they seem to have gone away - each evening as I leave the station I see the Park Direct staff taking photos of the cars as they pull in - a scruffy young girl usually, who leaps out of her van. It's time tjhe trading standards people sorted this out as it is criminal what they are doing.
I've just ignored the letters the last was in Feb and they seem to have gone away - each evening as I leave the station I see the Park Direct staff taking photos of the cars as they pull in - a scruffy young girl usually, who leaps out of her van. It's time tjhe trading standards people sorted this out as it is criminal what they are doing.
Posted by: Max, osterley on 10:11pm Mon 26 May 08
Dad, your such a looser.
Just pay the fine!
Dad, your such a looser.
Just pay the fine!
Posted by: dips, ealing on 1:14pm Fri 30 May 08
I was about to warn a driver who had just parked to move his car, when one of the guy came running out with a clamp in his hand telling me to get lost! I got a fine last year and have heard nothing since. Do not pay this company, Let them take everyone in ealing to court!
I was about to warn a driver who had just parked to move his car, when one of the guy came running out with a clamp in his hand telling me to get lost! I got a fine last year and have heard nothing since. Do not pay this company, Let them take everyone in ealing to court!
Posted by: mimi, ealing on 12:58am Sat 31 May 08
My car was clamped today outside a closed fish shop in greenford. I had just gotten out for a minute to pick somebody. It was by a company called Park direct......total bullying it is as the signs say private property and something about parking in very fine print which you can only read if you get out of your car and stand at least two feet close to the sign. There is no clear indication of the fact that you cannot park there. Then I was threatened that my car would be towed away and I would have to pay double if I didnt pay up. So I paid them 175 pounds. Someone has to do something about this. And what gives them the right to decide how much fine they take?
My car was clamped today outside a closed fish shop in greenford. I had just gotten out for a minute to pick somebody. It was by a company called Park direct......total bullying it is as the signs say private property and something about parking in very fine print which you can only read if you get out of your car and stand at least two feet close to the sign. There is no clear indication of the fact that you cannot park there. Then I was threatened that my car would be towed away and I would have to pay double if I didnt pay up. So I paid them 175 pounds. Someone has to do something about this. And what gives them the right to decide how much fine they take?
Posted by: John Boy, Ealing on 2:40am Sun 1 Jun 08
I received a "stopping" contravention and wrote to Park Direct saying I would not pay therefore they would need to take me to court. They have taken no action. To "Dips" if a Park Direct operative tells you to move then they are committing an offence as this is threatening behaviour - you can report this to the police and it should be treated as a criminal offence... the problem is that Ealing Police Station will not get involved in these matters so I suggest you write to the Borough Commissioner and ask him why his Police Officers are not policing the Borough.
I received a "stopping" contravention and wrote to Park Direct saying I would not pay therefore they would need to take me to court. They have taken no action. To "Dips" if a Park Direct operative tells you to move then they are committing an offence as this is threatening behaviour - you can report this to the police and it should be treated as a criminal offence... the problem is that Ealing Police Station will not get involved in these matters so I suggest you write to the Borough Commissioner and ask him why his Police Officers are not policing the Borough.
Posted by: Hardeep, West Kensington on 9:46pm Sat 7 Jun 08
Last year I parked my at the Ealing Broadway tube station on a Sunday afternoon. When I entered into the bay, I did not see the sign as it was not visible at eye level. Once I had parked my car, the sign was of course covered because the bumper of my car is where they had placed the sign. I was in and out of the tube station within 10 minutes. When I came back to my car, it had been clamped. I was shocked as there had been no warning and no visible signs to prevent drivers parking these ‘restricted bays’.
I was charged £350 which was broken down into £150 for the clamp and £150 because I was apparently there over 15 minutes thereby leading to an automatic call out a tow truck and £50 VAT. I was told that I must pay the tow truck charge otherwise my car would be towed away rendering me further liable to storage costs on top of the £350. I was in no position to argue and was forced to pay using my credit and debit card due to my maximum £300 withdrawal.
I no longer live in Ealing and glad to avoid seeing this company every morning. I have heard from securing at the tube station that the girl has claimed that she is on a salary of £35K a year. I Hope that this scam comes to an end and the government change the laws that protect companies like this that rob innocent people.
Last year I parked my at the Ealing Broadway tube station on a Sunday afternoon. When I entered into the bay, I did not see the sign as it was not visible at eye level. Once I had parked my car, the sign was of course covered because the bumper of my car is where they had placed the sign. I was in and out of the tube station within 10 minutes. When I came back to my car, it had been clamped. I was shocked as there had been no warning and no visible signs to prevent drivers parking these ‘restricted bays’.
I was charged £350 which was broken down into £150 for the clamp and £150 because I was apparently there over 15 minutes thereby leading to an automatic call out a tow truck and £50 VAT. I was told that I must pay the tow truck charge otherwise my car would be towed away rendering me further liable to storage costs on top of the £350. I was in no position to argue and was forced to pay using my credit and debit card due to my maximum £300 withdrawal.
I no longer live in Ealing and glad to avoid seeing this company every morning. I have heard from securing at the tube station that the girl has claimed that she is on a salary of £35K a year. I Hope that this scam comes to an end and the government change the laws that protect companies like this that rob innocent people.
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