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How can I dispute a parking charge from Horizon Parking that was wrongly charged to my son?

Horizon Parking, like many private parking operators, often rely on automated systems and cameras to monitor vehicle movements, which can sometimes lead to inaccurate or unfair charges being issued.

The British Parking Association (BPA) oversees a code of practice that private parking companies must follow when issuing penalties, including providing clear signage and offering a fair appeals process.

One common issue with Horizon Parking charges is that the time limit displayed on signs may not match the actual time recorded by their systems, leading to unexpected overstay penalties.

Horizon Parking is required by law to provide a robust appeals process for customers to challenge any charges they believe are unfair or incorrect.

This includes the option to escalate the case to an independent adjudicator.

When appealing a Horizon Parking charge, it's important to gather as much evidence as possible, such as photographs of the parking signs, receipts, or witness statements to support your case.

Horizon Parking has a history of overcharging customers and failing to properly investigate appeals, leading to numerous complaints and negative reviews online.

In some cases, Horizon Parking may issue charges without proper notification, which could make the penalty unenforceable if you can demonstrate you never received the initial notice.

The British Parking Association's code of practice requires private parking companies to give customers a minimum of 10 minutes' grace period before issuing a penalty for overstaying.

If Horizon Parking fails to provide clear and prominent signage detailing the parking terms and conditions, this could be grounds for a successful appeal.

Horizon Parking is required to follow a specific process when pursuing unpaid charges, including sending multiple notices and providing the option to pay a reduced fee before escalating to debt collection.

In some instances, Horizon Parking may have incorrectly attributed a vehicle to your son, or the parking system may have registered an incorrect entry or exit time.

If Horizon Parking does not respond to your initial appeal or provides an unsatisfactory response, you have the option to escalate the case to an independent appeals service, such as the Parking on Private Land Appeals (POPLA) scheme.

Horizon Parking's use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to monitor vehicles can sometimes lead to errors, particularly if your son's vehicle has recently changed ownership or the number plate is not clearly visible.

The British Parking Association's code of practice requires private parking companies to provide clear instructions on how to appeal a charge, including contact details and timelines, which Horizon Parking may not have followed correctly.

In some cases, Horizon Parking may have failed to provide adequate notice or signage about the parking restrictions, which could make the charge unenforceable.

Horizon Parking is required to demonstrate that they have followed the correct procedures and provided sufficient evidence to support any charges they have issued, which may be difficult to prove in some cases.

The British Parking Association's code of practice also requires private parking companies to allow customers a reasonable amount of time to pay any charges, typically at least 28 days, before escalating the matter to debt collection.

If Horizon Parking has failed to follow the correct procedures or provide adequate evidence to support the charge, you may be able to have the penalty cancelled or reduced through the appeals process.

It's important to be aware that Horizon Parking may attempt to pursue the charge through debt collection agencies or even the courts, but you have the right to defend your case and challenge any unfair or unjustified charges.

In some cases, Horizon Parking may have issued a charge for a parking area that is not under their management or control, which could provide grounds for a successful appeal.

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