disabled parking ticket

[sb67]

What should I do about a parking ticket I got from MET parking? It was for parking in a disabled bay without a valid badge when
A-the badge was valid
B-I was taking my mum (who is disabled) shopping so was not mis using the ticket.

They claim to post photographic evidence on their site within 72 hrs but this has not happened yet the alledged offence was carried out on the 28-03-09

[sara3]

was the badge clearly visible?

[ojread2]

The wheels of industry turn slowly so give them a chance to put up details - maybe you didn't have it displayed properly?

[sigma]

It has to be clearly visible on the top of the dashboard when viewed through the windscreen and the right way round ie. the correct side showing.

[Davethedog]

Glad to see that you are garnering the normal level of compassion on here.

Private companies that serve shopping centers are notoriusly "lax" in procedure.

First understand that the "ticket" is a civil ticket and is not enforcable under law so there is no risk of the police being involved.

You must write to Met explaining that you will not be paying and why.

Then tell them that should they wish to procede they should issue, whithin 14 days, proceedings against you in the county court.

You should also complain to the shopping center/ supermarket head office. You should also tell them you are going to copy in the local MP.

If they write to you again reply and quote from - Section 40 of the Administration of Justice Act 1970 section A.

[north star]

You would be wasting your time, effort and the price of a stamp in appealing this unenforceable invoice as they only want your money. usual advice is to ignore MET parking, ignore all of their gradually more threating letters, ignore of the letters from supposed debt collection agencies. The only time you will need to take action is when and if you get a letter from a county court. (with the courts seal on it). Then you go to www.pepipoo.com for expert advise. But the latter will not happen in 99.999% of cases.

[2BEARS]

make sure you display it in future,looks like you can leave it this time but this should be made law full-stop,too many ignorant a$$holes out there if you ask most people

[MustardDave]

Dave the dog is most likely correct in saying don't pay it - but:

*Was it private land or Council - real tickets that you have to pay will have the address of a court on them and will say 'Penalty Charge Notice'. Civil ones have the address of a private company and say something like 'Parking Charge Notice'.

If it is a private ticket, bin it. You do not have to ring them or quote legislation - just ignore it, along with any letters that follow, no matter how threatening they appear. Entering into discussion with them just shows they have a 'live one'.

Private tickets are based on contract law. To enforce them, they must prove there was a contract between you. Also note any contract is with the driver - NOT the registered keeper. Do not admit to being the driver under any circumstances.