The UKPC Reputation
UK Parking Control (UKPC) is one of the largest operators in the UK. They were previously banned from the DVLA for faking timestamps, so their evidence is often scrutinized heavily by POPLA.
The "Ghost Ticket" Defense
UKPC is notorious for issuing tickets that never reach the windscreen. If you never saw a ticket on your car but received a postal demand weeks later, you may be a victim of a "ghost ticket."
Challenge this by:
- Requesting CCTV/photo evidence of the ticket being placed
- Noting weather conditions (rain, wind could remove ticket)
- Questioning why no ticket was seen despite checking your vehicle
Signage & Lighting Issues
UKPC often manages older car parks with poor lighting and faded signs. Under the BPA Code:
- Signs must be clearly visible at the entrance
- Terms must be legible in all lighting conditions
- The £100 charge must be prominently displayed
ANPR Timestamp Errors
Given UKPC's history with timestamp manipulation, always verify:
- Entry and exit times match your recollection
- Photos show your actual vehicle (not similar reg)
- Time zone/BST adjustments are correct
Appeal to POPLA
If UKPC rejects your informal appeal, escalate to POPLA. Given their history, POPLA assessors often scrutinize UKPC evidence more carefully than other operators.