Parking Charge

[Kathyan]

Been out this morning and parked in Disabled bay but forgot to put my badge on display. Came back to a parking charge on the windscreen. On checking this, they have got my reg number wrong. What should I do?

[EcclesCake]

I've seen wardens taking photos of cars as evidence.

I would pay up.

[New Judge]

Pay it whilst the discount for early payment is on offer.

Most parking wardens these days take a photograph of the offending vehicle and it is unlikely that they will be unable to trace you because of the wrong Reg no.

[Kathyan]

I am appealing against it. What do I put the correct reg on the form or the number they have put on the ticket?

[boxtops]

How can you appeal, kathy? You didn't put your badge up - it's a fair cop.

[Buenchico]

Every parking warden I've seen issuing tickets over the past few years has taken photographs of the cars that he's 'ticketed'. So the relevant authority might well establish the correct registration number for your car at a later date and simply issue a revised penalty notice. In view of that it might be best to contact whoever has issued the penalty notice straight away, sending a photocopy of your badge and explaining that it must have fallen off the dashboard when you closed the door. (That might sound better than "I forgot"!)

[NoMercy]

Write and apologise for the fact that your disabled badge slipped off your dashboard and ask them to revoke the charge.

[EcclesCake]

Why appeal? You've said that you didn't have you badge on display.

They made a mistake and so did you, two wrongs don't make a right.

[andy-hughes]

I'd write a grovelling letter and explain the situation, and if they don't agree, pay up.

[boxtops]

It's good to see that they are ticketing apparently able-bodied people parking in the disabled bay (I know your not showing the ticket was an oversight, but able people parking in DBs gets on my goat).

[murraymints]

I have successfully appealed a similar scenario for my uncle...badge had fallen to floor....

[RandyMarsh]

I would also appeal.

[Old_Jim]

If the ticket shows the wrong number, it's not valid. The local authority parking office might not agree, but if they take you to court, the case will be thrown out. How good are you at holding your nerve?

[murraymints]

Agree with Jim

[Kathyan]

I have just sent off an appeal. We'll see what happens next!

[boxtops]

Well - I wouldn't, if it were my mistake in forgetting to put your pass in the windscreen, it's like me forgetting to buy a parking ticket. Doesn't seem right to me.

[piggynose]

what a heartless bunch you lot are, insisting that kathyan should pay up!!! i hope neither of you have to suffer the same fate.

[Barmaid]

Piggy, it's not heartless it is a fact. She FORGOT, consequently she was parked without a ticket or dispensation.

[NoMercy]

As a disabled badge holder she is entitled to park in a disabled bay.

She merely forgot to display her badge and I don't think that means she should pay a hefty charge.

[EcclesCake]

When I know I have done wrong I accept the consequences.

Maybe I was brought up with the wrong values?