Penalty Charge Notice parking fine "wrong class of vehicle"

Just got a Dorset Council PCN fine of £35 for parking our late bay in free on-road parking in Swanage. We were parked there for a few hours in the middle of the day.

The PCN is for Contravention Code 23F: Parked in a parking place or area not designated for that class of vehicle (free parking bay).

The parking spaces are marked as "cars and motorcycles only" - not sure whether this is a new restriction or not, we've been using these on-road free parking when visiting Swanage for years now.

I've always considered our late bay to be a "car", and have never though of it as "not a car".

Where can I find out what the camper van is officially classed as, if not a "car"?

Thoughts?

 

What does it show as on your V5C?

 

May say "Motor Caravan" on your V5, but it's obviously not a commercial vehicle. It's a camper.

Send them a stiff letter saying they're arses. May go on for ever, but that's the kind of thing they like. Council officers only have to remain breathing until retirement age - they don't actually have to do anything - so they'll enjoy that.

 

Contest it , would be worth pointing out it's physically smaller than most modern 4x4s .
Bloody jobsworth parasites issuing pointless penalties...
Stinks


Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

 

Probably find there are designated camper van parking slots hidden beside the stinky dumpster behind the seaside chip shop.

Point out the fact the floor plan of your bus is only a few inches bigger than an original Beetle..

But in France this does not work. You get whacked for £20+ at Mont St Michel for a T2 instead of £9 for cars so you can park in a car park full of small truck sized campers another 200 metres from the attractions.

 

I expect it was because they saw it as a motorhome a lot off seaside places are banning them as the old people in motor homes park there for weeks with there washing and chairs on on the street.

Would be worth a appeal

 

That’s no way to talk about Earlybay members

 

When I go through Dartford crossing in the camper I get charged the same rate as a car! but in motorway services I park in the commercial area for a bigger parking space!

 

I fawt camper parking is only restricted at night in most places with a view ,sounds a bit picky if your within the lines and your not snoring . As said contest and see , and ask what does one do in an emergency ? Never had a problem with mine ?

 

Yep depending on who was operating the booth ( see how long ago i took my bay through ) cos mines a panel van but I had a seat in the back on the way up it was a van on the way back it was a car because the bloke could see the kids sitting in the back ( in the dark).Yes contest it.

 

M6 Toll charge Bats as a camper, bloody cheeky, we're smaller than some modern 4x4s.

 

Ask them to define a car, then see if it's size, weight or seats. If your under its classed as a car.

 

I was told by some random busybody on Swanage seafront that I couldn't park there...the sign said cars & motorbikes ...I ignored him and it appears I got lucky.
Wouldn't mind but Swanage is really expensive to park.
I would have thought that there should have been a no motorhome sign ( but I'd have still ignored it .)

 

Almost got done there last year. Vehicle next to me was ok. It was a T5 caravelle! Go figure (need to get used to americanisms for when we’re the 51st state!)

 

Probably jealousy!

 

The use of the word soccer is enough for me.

 

Dorset Council made up the rules, you could challenge the fine, you could complain directly to the Council, but I doubt they will be sympathetic and is it worth the aggravation for £35. Councils are short of cash and do anything to bring in more revenue. I got done for £60, so you got off lightly I think.

 

Sounds like good enough reason to avoid Swanage.
This post has been fair warning about parking in Dorset where we go regularly, as we only live five miles as the crow flies from the border.
Tony

 

The real risk in Swanage is meeting climbers in tight Lycra climbing shorts that show every detail of their tackle. Best avoided, especially if you’re eating.