A parking charge notice (PCN) from Nexus, likely issued by CP Plus (trading as GroupNexus), is a private parking ticket, not a council-issued fine. These charges are typically for breaches of parking terms and conditions on private land. You have options: appeal the notice, pay the discounted charge if applicable, or potentially ignore it and face the consequences of non-payment, which could include further action from Nexus.
Understanding the Notice:
Private Land: Nexus, operating as CP Plus or GroupNexus, manages car parks on private land, not public roads.
Breach of Contract: The PCN is essentially a claim for breach of contract, based on the parking terms displayed on signs.
Not a Penalty: It’s not a penalty in the same way as a council-issued parking fine.
Options for Dealing with the Notice:
Appeal: You can appeal the PCN to GroupNexus within 28 days of issue.
Reduced Rate: If you appeal within a shorter timeframe (often 14 days), you might get a reduced charge if your appeal is rejected, as per Thrifty Family.
Independent Adjudication: If your appeal to GroupNexus is rejected, you may be able to escalate it to an independent appeals service (IAS) if they are a member of an accredited trade association.
Pay the Charge: You can pay the full charge or the reduced amount if applicable.
Ignore the Notice (at your own risk): Some people suggest that parking companies may not pursue small debts, but this is not guaranteed, and ignoring it could lead to further action, including court claims.
Court Action: GroupNexus may pursue court action for unpaid charges, which can include court fees and potentially costs if they win.
Protection of Freedoms Act: The Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 allows private parking companies to pursue registered keepers for unpaid charges, if they can’t identify the driver.
Important Considerations:
Signage:
Make sure you review the parking terms and conditions on the signage at the location to see if you might have a valid defense against the charge.
Evidence:
Gather any evidence that supports your case, such as photos of the parking area, payment receipts, or other relevant documentation.
Time Limits:
Pay close attention to the time limits for appealing or paying the charge to avoid losing your options.