Should I Pay or Appeal My Smart Parking Fine in Scotland?
Have you received a parking fine from Smart Parking in Scotland? It can be a little scary but don’t worry. Every month, over 32,000 people visit this site for guidance on tickets and fines.
In this easy-to-understand article, we’ll help you:
- Learn who Smart Parking is and what they do.
- Understand why they might give you a ticket.
- Know the steps to take if you want to challenge the fine.
- Find out what happens if you don’t pay.
- Get tips on how to contact Smart Parking.
We know it’s not easy when you get a fine – we understand how you feel, and we’re here to help. So, take a deep breath, and let’s learn what you can do about your Smart Parking fine.
Do You Have to Pay?
In some circumstances, you might have a legitimate reason not to pay your fine.
It’s a bit sneaky, but the last time I needed legal advice, I paid £5 for a trial to chat with an online solicitor called JustAnswer.
Not only did I save £50 on solicitor feeds, I also won my case and didn’t have to pay my £271 fine.
Chat below to get started with JustAnswer
In partnership with Just Answer.
Why Does Smart Parking Give You a Ticket?
A private parking fine is issued when a vehicle owner or driver violates the terms and conditions of a private car park. Private parking fines are usually incurred for reasons like:
- Overstaying time limits- If you exceed the allowed parking duration specified on the signboards or ticket machines. Note, some private parking firms might not apply the 5-minute parking rule.
- Parking without authorisation – Parking in a private car park without permission or when not being a customer of the associated business.
- Not displaying a valid ticket/permit – Failing to display a valid ticket or permit while parking in a paid parking area.
- Parking in restricted areas – Parking in designated no-parking zones, fire lanes, or other areas marked as restricted.
- Incorrect use of disabled bays – Parking in spaces reserved for disabled individuals without the appropriate permit.
- Failure to pay parking fees – Not paying the required parking fee or not following the payment process correctly.
- Obstructive parking – Parking in a way that obstructs traffic flow or blocks other vehicles.
» TAKE ACTION NOW: Get legal support from JustAnswer
What Happens if You Don’t Pay Smart Parking?
There can be consequences if you don’t pay your private parking fine in the UK, including reminder letters, legal action, and an impact on your credit rating. There are times when private parking companies send reminder notices to encourage payments. If you don’t pay, they might escalate the situation, which could lead to court proceedings. You could get fined more and pay more if the company takes legal action. However, as private parking fines are not legally enforceable, you would be pursued for a bad debt, not a parking offence.
Unpaid fines can be pursued by private parking companies, but they don’t have as much power as local authorities. They can’t issue bailiffs or clamp cars on roads. If you’re found liable for the fine, you’ll have to pay it as well as any additional costs awarded by the court, but they can take you to court.
Successful Appeal Case Study
Situation
| Initial Fine | £100 |
| Additional Fees | £171 |
| Total Fine | £271 |
The Appeal Process
Scott used JustAnswer, online legal service to enhance his appeal. The trial of this cost him just £5.
| Total Fine | £271 |
| Cost of legal advice | £5 |
JustAnswer helped Scott craft the best appeal possible and he was able to win his case.
Scott’s fine was cancelled and he only paid £5 for the legal help.
In partnership with Just Answer.
Appealing Against a Smart Parking Fine
You have nothing to lose by appealing against a private parking fine. The worst that can happen is you end up having to pay the fine if your appeal fails. To appeal against a private parking fine from Smart Parking in the UK, follow these steps:
- Check the reason – Determine if you have valid grounds for appeal. Common reasons include unclear signage, incorrect ticket details, technical errors, or extenuating circumstances.
- Gather evidence – Collect evidence to support your case. Take photos of unclear or missing signage, ticket errors, or other relevant details.
- Informal appeal – Initiate an informal appeal by contacting the issuer (private company) within the stated time frame. It’s usually free and can be done through their provided contact details. Prepare a written appeal, including your evidence, reasoning, and the reference number of the parking ticket. Use the contact details provided by the parking company or the appeals service.
- Formal appeal – If the informal appeal doesn’t resolve the issue, you can make a formal appeal. Private parking companies often belong to an Independent appeals service, like POPLA, where you can escalate your case.
Join thousands of others who got legal help for a £5 trial
Getting the support of a Solicitor can take a huge weight off your mind.
Reviews shown are for JustAnswer.
How to Contact Smart Parking
To contact Smart Parking, you can visit their official website and use the contact form. The company’s UK business address is:
Smart Parking Ltd at Unit 43
Elmdon Trading Estate
Bickenhill Lane
Marston Green
Birmingham
B37 7HE
You can email Smart Parking at: [email protected]
The company offers no public phone number for people to contact them, unfortunately. I think this is shifty myself, and tends to make me think this is a firm that loves to try and pressure people into paying fake parking fines.
Hire a Parking Solicitor for less than a coffee.
If you’re thinking about appealing your parking ticket then getting some professional advice is a good idea.
Getting the support of a Solicitor can make your appeal much more likely to win.
For a £5 trial, Solicitors from JustAnswer can look at your case and help you create an airtight appeal.
In partnership with Just Answer.
