How to beat UK Car Park Management (CPM) parking tickets
Overview
UK Car Park Management (CPM) is a large private car park management company that has been operating for over 14 years. It claims to employ over 200 staff and operate over 9,000 car parks in the UK. Their key sales line is that they offer most of their car park management services free of charge to customers – but that is simply because they know they can make revenue through issuing parking tickets to their clients’ customers.
The ownership of UKCPM is hidden through layers of holding companies, but ultimately its majority owner is Bowmark Capital, an investment company. UK CPM have a registered office in Polegate Sussex. However, this is actually a ‘virtual office’ used to disguise their actual operating address.
The company offers a range of parking services including maintenance and management, although their main business is parking enforcement. As with most modern private parking companies their main wheeze is operating ANPR cameras to automatically detect and issue tickets for overstays.
UK Car Park Management (CPM) is a member of both the British Parking Association (BPA) and the Independent Parking Community (IPC). Both are trade associations for the UK parking and traffic management industry, representing a wide range of organisations involved in parking operations. As a member UK CPM must adhere to a code of practice that sets out the standards of professionalism and conduct expected from its members. This includes a commitment to fair and transparent enforcement practices, the provision of accurate information to customers, and the prompt handling of complaints and appeals.
Where they operate
UK Car Park Management manages car parks across the UK in various industries, but mainly focussing on housing developers, housing associations, and property management – quite possibly related to their owners other investments. They claim numerous clients such as Isle of Wight Council, NHS, Virgin Atlantic, Aviva, Village Hotels, Berkely, Barratt Homes. Taylor Wimpey and Savills.
Do they issue fines?
UK CPM issues private tickets to drivers who park on their car parks and violate parking regulations. These tickets are typically issued through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras that monitor car park usage and capture the registration numbers of vehicles entering and leaving the car park.
When a driver parks on a UK CPM car park and violates parking regulations, such as parking without a valid permit or exceeding the time limit, they may receive a private ticket. This ticket will usually be issued by post and will include a photograph of the vehicle and a description of the violation.
It is important to note that private tickets issued by UK CPM are not fines, but rather a request for payment of a contractual charge for the breach of the terms and conditions of parking on their car park. Private tickets are not backed by law and are not the same as fines issued by the police or local authorities.
What should you do if you receive a ticket?
If you receive a private ticket from UK Car Park Management (CPM), there are several steps you can take:
- Check the ticket: Read the ticket carefully and ensure that the details are accurate. Check the date, time, and location of the alleged violation, and compare them with your own records. Also, check the terms and conditions of parking on the car park to ensure that you did not unknowingly violate any regulations.
- Gather evidence: If you believe that the ticket was issued incorrectly or unfairly, gather evidence to support your case. This could include photographs of the signage on the car park, receipts or tickets for payment, or any other documentation that supports your claim.
- Appeal the ticket: If you believe that the ticket was issued unfairly or incorrectly, you have the right to appeal the decision. CPM is required to provide a clear and transparent appeals process. You can appeal the ticket online, by post, or by phone.
- Pay the ticket: If you decide to pay the ticket, make sure that you do so within the specified time frame to avoid additional charges or legal action. You can pay the ticket online or by phone.
It is important to note that private tickets issued by UK CPM are not fines and are not backed by law. Instead they are based on contract law and they will allege you have breached that contract. However, if you ignore the ticket or fail to pay it within the specified time frame, UK CPM may take legal action to recover the amount owed, and this could result in additional fees and charges. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your options and take action promptly if you receive a private ticket from UK CPM Car Parks.
What happens if you ignore the ticket?
If a driver fails to pay a private ticket issued by UK Car Park Management within the specified time frame, the company may take legal action to recover the amount owed. This could involve taking the driver to court and seeking a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against them.
To take legal action, UK Car Park Management would need to follow a legal process that includes sending a Notice to Keeper (NTK) to the registered owner of the vehicle, followed by a Letter Before Claim (LBC), which outlines the amount owed and the reasons for the claim.
If the driver still refuses to pay, UK Car Park Management may then issue a Claim Form, which initiates legal proceedings. The driver will have the opportunity to respond to the claim and defend themselves in court. If the court finds in favour of UK CPM, a CCJ may be issued against the driver (although this will only stay on your credit record if it remains unpaid).
It is important to note that legal action is usually a last resort for UK CPM, and they will typically attempt to resolve the issue through other means, such as sending reminder letters or offering a settlement. Going to court costs them money, but it should be noted that they do do it to maintain the threat.
How can Parking Cowboys help?
If you’ve received a ticket
- Understand what private parking tickets are
- Find out about appeals, and in particular about the POPLA service
- Learn how to fight back with our essential guide
If you’ve received a court claim
- Understand how they can be legally enforced in county court
- Learn about County Court Judgements and the risk is to your credit file
- Consider using our legal service partner, JustAnswer. Click here to make a no-obligation enquiry
Best of luck – we’ll help you through this!