Hi - I need some help!
I am a student and have been parking in Central London for the last 4 years. I stupidly made a mistake by parking in a resident's only bay which was in force up until 8.30pm, and I thought it was 6.30pm as most bays around that area are. Admittedly that is my fault, but I don't think what follows is fair:
1. I parked just after 7pm to drop something off nearby. When I came out at 7.20pm the car had gone
2. There were no signs or indications that towing is used in the area. There are no numbers on any of the signs for Westminster council, and so there was no indication that the car had been towed - I thought it had been stolen!
3. Having eventually got in contact with the council, I proceeded to pick up the car from Park Lane, where I was presented with a £200 towing fee and a £60 PCN. I was given the PCN without the tear off slip at the bottom. The top part of the PCN referes to the "DATE OF NOTICE".
4. The biggest kick in the teeth is that when I parked in they bay, when I walked around the corner I asked a traffic warden if it was free to park where I did, and he said yes!
I have no proof of returning at 7.20pm, however I can get witness statements from people who were with me.
I have yet to measure the bays, however I am intending on doing this in the next couple of days.
I would be grateful for any help with how I should direct my letter, and specifically on what (statutory) grounds I can appeal?
Thanks in advance!