Retired judge shares 'three simple words' for drivers to beat parking tickets
A former judge has issued advice to drivers that could help them when contesting parking fines. According to the expert, three simple words may prevent drivers from paying their motoring penalties.
Retired judge Stephen Gold said the "I knew nothing" defence could prove successful in disputing charges. If drivers believe a penalty has been incorrectly issued by a private car park, they could contest it.
Private car park operators can take legal action against drivers who do not pay their parking fines in certain instances; however, they may also have crucial defences.
Stephen said appeals will likely have a better outcome when drivers have evidence that parking operators have violated their own code of practice. The former judge claimed motorists who believe they were unaware of payment requirements could be best positioned to mount a successful challenge.
Speaking to The Mail, Stephen previously explained: "The operator must prove that you agreed to its conditions: if and when you would have to pay, and what would happen if you did not pay."
"It will be unable to do this unless it can show that the conditions were displayed on one or more notices at the car park which a reasonable motorist would have seen, even if you did not see them because you drive and walk facing the sky."
Stephen highlighted that in certain cases, no signage may be displayed at the car park. It's equally possible that warning signs are missing from the route individuals used when entering and exiting the car park or were blocked from view, reports the Express.
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Obscure, nearly concealed signs that lack prominent visibility could provide a legitimate defence for missing a parking charge.
Nevertheless, the judge recommends that motorists should consistently support their case with comprehensive photographic proof demonstrating that warning notices were inadequate.
Stephen explained: "The car park operator will almost certainly rely on written evidence at the hearing which will include photographs of the signs containing their conditions.
"But sometimes the photographs will fail to establish where exactly the signs were displayed in relation to where you were parked and the route you would have taken to reach that point."
Drivers typically must contest a parking penalty within 28 days of receipt, though this timeframe may be extended under exceptional circumstances.
Yet motorists who challenge a fine might forfeit the opportunity to settle at the substantially reduced rate available during the initial 14-day period.
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