Parking Fine

kerrycan

Hi I went to Northern Ireland last week and my car started overheating so I pulled over behind a few other parked cars and went to find a shop to get some water to put into the car. I looked around but couldn't see anywhere to buy a ticket so assumed it was free parking as there was other cars parked behind me.
When I came back 10minutes later there was a ticket on the car and I realised the other cars around had disabled badges, there was a signpost stating no parking between these times, but someone had stuck a sticker over it. I hadn't seen the sign at first.
The same day my car actually broke down due to the problems overheating earlier in the day and is now in a garage in the north with the parking ticket in the glovebox.
I'm just wondering if I'd have any chance appealing the fine as I needed to stop due to the engine overheating, and can prove that later on the car did break down?
Also does anybody know how I'd go about doing it as the ticket is inside the car which is over 2hours away from me and I probably won't get it back for a couple of weeks.
Thanks

slimjimmc

I would expect the ticket itself outlines how to appeal so why don't you phone the garage and get them to tell you what it says. They might even be able to email/text you a copy of the ticket.

Also check http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/paying-a-parking-ticket-penalty-charge-notice

seamus

On top of the above, I would ask the garage to send you a written confirmation on headed paper of the issue that your vehicle has and the date on which it was brought into the garage.

You can then use this documentation in an appeal against the fine.