Motorway Services Fines
CP Plus (now part of GroupNexus) operates most UK motorway service stations (Moto, Welcome Break). They strictly enforce a 2-hour limit.
The Safety Defense
The UK Government actively encourages drivers to stop and rest when tired. The Highway Code states drivers should take a 15-minute break every 2 hours. This creates a conflict with the 2-hour parking limit.
When to Use This Defense
- You felt drowsy and needed extended rest
- You took medication that caused drowsiness
- Weather conditions made continued driving dangerous
- You were waiting for road conditions to improve
How to Frame Your Appeal
"I stopped at [services] because I felt tired and it would have been unsafe to continue driving. The Highway Code recommends rest breaks for fatigued drivers. Penalizing me for prioritizing safety over an arbitrary 2-hour limit is unreasonable and contrary to public policy."
Supporting Evidence
- Your journey details (long distance trip)
- Time of travel (late night, early morning)
- Any medical conditions affecting alertness
- Weather reports showing poor conditions
The "Tacit Agreement" Angle
Motorway services are designed as safety stops. Argue that by providing parking, the operator tacitly agrees drivers may need to rest longer than 2 hours in some circumstances.
POPLA Appeals
If CP Plus rejects your appeal, escalate to POPLA. Assessors are often sympathetic to genuine safety concerns.