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Drivers Use ‘I Knew Nothing’ Defense as QR Code Parking Scams Spread

Drivers are contesting parking fines by arguing that payment terms were unclear, prompting councils to probe a surge in QR-coded counterfeit notices.

Overview

  • Retired judge Stephen Gold has popularized the “I knew nothing” appeal, shifting the burden onto operators to prove motorists agreed to displayed payment terms.
  • Successful challenges hinge on demonstrating that signage showing parking conditions was not clearly visible along drivers’ entry and exit routes.
  • Reports in Peckham and Islington detail ‘quishing’ scams in which fake Penalty Charge Notices carry QR codes redirecting payments to fraudsters.
  • Southwark Council has opened an investigation with police and Trading Standards after multiple motorists uncovered counterfeit tickets.
  • Authorities are urging drivers to inspect tickets for anomalies, verify suspicious notices with their local council and report fraud attempts to Action Fraud or Citizens Advice.