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Registration cloned and parking ticket issued - how can I contest it?

I received a 'Penalty Charge Notice' issued on 26 June 2012 from Bristol City Council. I reside in Sheffield and have not been to Bristol for years. On the day in question I attended an appointment here in Sheffield, and played sport. According to Parking Services their photo shows my car registration number, which of course is how I was identified as the owner of the vehicle. My representations have been rejected by Bristol City Council, and I must either pay the penalty charge of £50 or appeal to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal for my case to be heard by an independent adjudicator.

Interestingly, and pertinently, some few weeks before the 26th June last, I advertised my car for sale in Autotrader. My advert included a photograph of the car clearly showing the registration number. Have you come across a similar situation previously?

Asked on 20 October 2012 by RH, Sheffield

Answered by Honest John
This is a 'decriminalised parking offence' on a public road. It's convenient for them to try to convict you on a registration plate alone, but your challenge is a completely legitimate one. Tell them that if their adjudicator does not find in your favour you will see them in court where you will prove that you and your car were in Sheffield on the day in question. Also tell them you will subsequently seek all your costs via a Small Claims Track civil action against them.

Meanwhile you need to inform the police so that an ANPR alert is put out for another car bearing the registration of your car, and arrange for your car to be re-registered with a different plate. If the DVLA will not co-operate, then buy a cheap 'cherished' plate from them.
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