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How to Handle Parking Fines on a Stolen Vehicle in the UK
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How to Handle Parking Fines on a Stolen Vehicle in the UK

K

Kwame Asante

•5 min read

How to Handle Parking Fines on a Stolen Vehicle in the UK

Imagine waking up on a typical Tuesday, sipping your morning tea, only to discover that your car is not parked where you left it. Panic sets in as you realise your vehicle has been stolen. Days later, you receive a parking fine for your stolen car. As if the situation wasn't stressful enough, now you're faced with a penalty charge notice (PCN) for a vehicle you no longer possess. What do you do next? The good news is, you're not alone, and there's a clear path to contesting these fines. Let's dive into the process.

Step 1: Report the Theft Immediately

Before tackling the fines, ensure you've reported your stolen vehicle to the police and obtained a crime reference number. This is crucial not only for insurance claims but also for contesting any fines issued post-theft. Remember to notify your insurance company as well.

Pro Tip: Keep a record of all communications, including dates and times, with the police and your insurer. This documentation will be invaluable during the appeal process.

Step 2: Understand the PCN Appeal Process in the UK

In the UK, parking fines are commonly issued by local councils or private parking companies, depending on where the infraction occurred. Each has a slightly different appeal process, but the core principles remain the same.

Appealing a Council-Issued Fine

  1. Gather Evidence:

    • Crime reference number from the police
    • Proof of vehicle ownership
    • Correspondence with your insurer

  2. Submit an Informal Challenge:

    • Write a letter to the issuing council, including all evidence.
    • Mention the date and time of theft and enclose the crime reference number.
    • Clearly state your vehicle was stolen at the time of the alleged parking contravention.

  3. Await Response:

    • Councils typically respond within 14-28 days.
    • If your informal challenge is rejected, you can proceed to a formal representation.

Appealing a Private Parking Fine

Private parking fines, often called Parking Charge Notices (PCNs), are not regulated in the same way as council-issued fines. However, you can still contest them:

  1. Contact the Issuer:

    • Use the contact information on the PCN to explain the situation.
    • Provide the same evidence as you would in a council appeal.

  2. Escalate if Necessary:

    • If the private company rejects your initial appeal, escalate the matter to an independent appeals service such as the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) or the Independent Appeals Service (IAS), depending on the company's affiliation.

Step 3: Legal Tips for a Successful Appeal

  • Be Prompt: Time is of the essence. Challenge the PCN as soon as possible to avoid further complications or additional charges.
  • Stay Calm and Professional: Keep your communication clear, concise, and polite. Emotional language or frustration can detract from your argument.
  • Know Your Rights: Under the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, vehicle owners can’t be held liable for parking fines incurred after their vehicle is reported stolen.

Example Letter Template:

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]

[Council's Name or Private Parking Company's Name]
[Address]

Re: PCN Number [PCN Number]

Dear [Council or Company Name],

I am writing to formally contest the parking fine referenced above. My vehicle, registration number [Vehicle Registration Number], was stolen on [Date of Theft]. The theft was reported to the police immediately, and the crime reference number is [Crime Reference Number].

At the time of the alleged contravention, I was not in possession of the vehicle. Please find attached the relevant documentation, including the crime reference number and proof of my report to the police.

I kindly request the cancellation of this PCN as I cannot be held liable for offences committed after the theft of my vehicle.

Thank you for your understanding and I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Step 4: What if Your Appeal is Rejected?

If your appeal is unsuccessful, don't panic. You still have options:

  • Request a Review: Councils often allow you to request a review of the decision.
  • Adjudication: For council-issued fines, you can take your case to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal (for England and Wales) or the Scottish Parking Appeals Service. This is a free service where an independent adjudicator will review your case.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Yourself from Future Issues

Dealing with parking fines on a stolen vehicle is undoubtedly stressful, but understanding the appeal process and knowing your rights can significantly ease the burden. To safeguard against future issues:

  • Install a Tracking Device: It can help recover your vehicle faster and provide evidence of its whereabouts.
  • Regularly Update Your Insurance: Ensure your insurance policy covers theft and includes legal expenses cover.

By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate the choppy waters of parking fines and stolen vehicles with confidence and clarity. Remember, you're not powerless in this situation, and there are concrete steps you can take to resolve the issue efficiently.

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