Misleading parking signs & texts

I am a pretty regular visitor to various parts of London on Business (I’m an IT Project manager Fujitsu Services). Last week I visited the Baker Street Offices, and parked in the on-street parking bays. I have parked in the area off and on for nearly three years, and noted the usually full bays now had spaces. Once I had spotted the signs for the charges, I realised why the spaces might be there.

Anyway, I parked up, near a sign that read ‘Pay by phone – 0207005 0055 or text 07950 080 201 quoting location 6789. I duly did this, including my M/clcle reg number as well. I (naively, now with hindsight) assumed that the £1.50 would be charged to my phone account via the text.   

Later (whilst in an all-day business meeting) I received the ‘thank you text’ which says “to register for phone parking, either call …etc”. Since I was in a meeting, I did not pick this message up and furthermore, I did not want to register for phone payments as I am an infrequent visitor to this part of London and expected that text only would work.

On returning to my bike – there was a PCN attached. My point is that aside from all the other arguments, the wording on the signs and within the text reply is ambiguous and misleading for any biker new to the scheme. I have challenged the PCN, but given my misgivings about Local Govt and anti-biking attitudes and legislation, I am doubtful of any positive resolution.

This is just another example or the disregard applied to a small(ish) group of road users in the drive for more profitability. It sucks!!