If you've received a parking ticket, don't automatically pay it. Whilst they are eager to catch erring motorists, the authorities are remarkably sloppy at following the correct procedure to enforce parking restrictions.
Yellow Lines, Parking Bays, Meters
Very often, road markings and signs are incorrect. Parking tickets are often not correctly completed and parking meters are not working correctly. You should check every aspect of the alleged offence to ensure that the parking regulations have been applied correctly. There is an incentive not to defend the parking ticket. Namely that motorists will feel it's better to pay the reduced amount within 14 days rather than risk losing the case and having to pay the full amount
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Parking Ticket Appeal
If you receive a parking ticket (penalty charge notice) you need to deal with it straight away. If you appeal, you should ask the local authority to freeze the payment at the lower (pre 14 day) amount until the case is resolved. If the local authority do not allow your appeal, they will send you a Notice to Owner form which will give you 14 days in which to formally state your case. If your representations are still rejected you will have 28 days in which to lodge your appeal with the parking Adjuducation Service. Note that if you lose the appeal, you may end up paying more.
