Today, I am celebrating my second successful appeal against a parking fine levied by Smart Parking Ltd at Western car park, Camber. The assessment officer for the industry adjudicator, POPLA, has written: "The burden of proof lies with the operator to demonstrate that it has issued the PCN (Parking Charge Notice) correctly. As the operator has not provided any evidence in response to the appeal, it has not demonstrated that the PCN is valid. As such, I am not satisfied that it issued the PCN correctly and I must allow this appeal."
The process of making an appeal is not to be taken lightly, because it involves quite an emotional charge, a mixture of anxiety, indignation and determination, not good for the heart perhaps. However, the outcome is worth the hassle when one feels that the case is sound and that the operator has refused to listen to reason.
On behalf of motorists visiting Camber, Rye News has framed a series of questions sent to Rother District Council, seeking information about how Smart Parking Ltd came to be awarded the contract at Western car park and when its performance will be subject to review. Rother have advised that they require a Freedom of Information request before they can give us answers. We will be submitting this and will keep our readers informed.
Photo: Kenneth Bird
