Latest news with #StephenGold
Daily Record
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Retired judge shares 'three simple words' for drivers to beat parking tickets
This simple phrase could get motorists out of paying for parking tickets when appealing their charge A former judge has issued advice to drivers that could help them when contesting parking fines. According to the expert, three simple words may prevent drivers from paying their motoring penalties. Retired judge Stephen Gold said the "I knew nothing" defence could prove successful in disputing charges. If drivers believe a penalty has been incorrectly issued by a private car park, they could contest it. Private car park operators can take legal action against drivers who do not pay their parking fines in certain instances; however, they may also have crucial defences. Stephen said appeals will likely have a better outcome when drivers have evidence that parking operators have violated their own code of practice. The former judge claimed motorists who believe they were unaware of payment requirements could be best positioned to mount a successful challenge. Speaking to The Mail, Stephen previously explained: "The operator must prove that you agreed to its conditions: if and when you would have to pay, and what would happen if you did not pay." "It will be unable to do this unless it can show that the conditions were displayed on one or more notices at the car park which a reasonable motorist would have seen, even if you did not see them because you drive and walk facing the sky." Stephen highlighted that in certain cases, no signage may be displayed at the car park. It's equally possible that warning signs are missing from the route individuals used when entering and exiting the car park or were blocked from view, reports the Express. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Obscure, nearly concealed signs that lack prominent visibility could provide a legitimate defence for missing a parking charge. Nevertheless, the judge recommends that motorists should consistently support their case with comprehensive photographic proof demonstrating that warning notices were inadequate. Stephen explained: "The car park operator will almost certainly rely on written evidence at the hearing which will include photographs of the signs containing their conditions. "But sometimes the photographs will fail to establish where exactly the signs were displayed in relation to where you were parked and the route you would have taken to reach that point." Drivers typically must contest a parking penalty within 28 days of receipt, though this timeframe may be extended under exceptional circumstances. Yet motorists who challenge a fine might forfeit the opportunity to settle at the substantially reduced rate available during the initial 14-day period.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Drivers can use just three words to get out of paying parking tickets
An expert says that he often hears parking operators say that the motorist should have read the terms and conditions - but saying these three magic words could save drivers from paying hefty fines A former judge has divulged a straightforward three-word phrase that could help you wriggle out of paying parking fines when contesting a ticket. "I knew nothing," are the magic words from ex-judge Stephen Gold, which might just be your golden ticket to dodging the charge. It appears playing dumb is the way forward, as Gold suggests drivers who believe they were oblivious to the payment specifics stand a good chance at successfully appealing. Chatting with the Daily Mail, he said: "The operator must prove that you agreed to its conditions: if and when you would have to pay, and what would happen if you did not pay. "It will be unable to do this unless it can show that the conditions were displayed on one or more notices at the car park which a reasonable motorist would have seen, even if you did not see them because you drive and walk facing the sky." One could argue they simply missed the parking signs, particularly if they're not prominently placed. There's also a chance that the signage was nowhere to be seen along the path taken by people entering or exiting. \Mr Gold continued: "The car park operator will almost certainly rely on written evidence at the hearing which will include photographs of the signs containing their conditions. But sometimes the photographs will fail to establish where exactly the signs were displayed in relation to where you were parked and the route you would have taken to reach that point." Motorists are being alerted to a spate of counterfeit Penalty Charge Notices, or PCNs, cropping up nationwide, reports Birmingham Live. These sham PCNs are equipped with scam QR codes in a worrying new trend dubbed 'quishing'. A Peckham local reported: "After examining the ticket closely, it became clear that it was a fake, designed to deceive residents into paying fines to a bogus company." In Islington, a motorist discovered a phoney ticket which claimed he had received a "parking charge notice," in contrast to the legitimate "penalty charge notice." The fraudulent notice demands payment of £120 "within the next 14 days" or a "discounted amount" of £60 for "early payments" within seven days. A Southwark Council spokesperson commented: "We are aware of the issue and will be investigating further alongside informing the police. We would urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and please report any suspicious parking tickets directly to the council's parking team to verify by emailing parking@ or calling 0800 138 9081, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm." It continued: "Anyone who thinks they have been victim of a scam should contact their bank and the police as soon as possible." The council also noted that "the council has not received any reports of these fake parking tickets. They explained: "If someone believes that they have been given a fake parking ticket, they can get advice or report it to Trading Standards by contacting Citizens Advice or report it to Action Fraud."
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Three words to beat a private parking ticket are revealed by retired judge – as fines hit record 14million
A RETIRED judge has shared top tips on what to do if presented with a private parking ticket. Thousands of motorists across Britain know the feeling of thinking they've been unfairly handed a parking fine. 2 The unwelcome sight of a yellow sticker on your windscreen is always enough to ruin any motorist's day. But Stephen Gold, a retired judge, has revealed the three words that can help you beat a private parking ticket. Speaking to the MailOnline, he said: "Getting a ticket after parking in a private car park does not mean you have committed any offence. "It won't lead to a criminal conviction, whether or not you pay it. "You can challenge a ticket that has been wrongly issued, and the challenge could take you to the county court, where the park operator would have to sue you for non-payment to have any hope of getting you to pay up." THE THREE WORDS The judge told the paper that a key defence against tickets is: "I knew nothing". This is a defence that counts on the you being able to prove that parking conditions were not properly indicated. The operator would have to prove the conditions of parking were displayed on one or more notices that a reasonable motorist would have seen. So if you only discovered the terms of parking upon returning - perhaps due to signs being inconspicuous or absent - the defence would hold. It is always best to take photographs of the signs and their location within the car park if you want to use this defence. The operator will likely try to rely on pictures of the signs within the car park - but these might not show exactly where they are. APPEALS PROCESS It comes as more and more car parks use number plate capturing cameras to send out tickets. Sometimes this will result in a ticket being placed on your windscreen, but often these days a letter will be sent in the post. If you wish to appeal a ticket, your first action should be to go to the car park operator. An independent appeal would be the next step, and a final point would be going to a county court. 2
Associated Press
21-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Research Explores How Manufacturers are Implementing AI in Human Resources
Report Explores the Top AI-Enhanced HR Activities for Manufacturers ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA / ACCESS Newswire / May 21, 2025 / Manufacturers Alliance Foundation in partnership with American Fidelity published " Keeping HR Human in the Age of AI,' exploring where human resource departments are finding balance between department efficiency through advanced technologies while keeping the personalized human touch. 'People remain the key to reinvigorating manufacturing. In this fight for talent, HR leaders are relentlessly pushing for greater efficiency and impact, and AI offers them that advantage,' noted Stephen Gold, President of Manufacturers Alliance Foundation and President & CEO of Manufacturers Alliance. 'Still, our research shows that AI is only complementary - it's the HR leaders' experience and intuition that are key to attracting and keeping the talent to move the sector into its next stage.' The research found that 96% of manufacturers are fully committed or highly interested in adopting AI enhancements, primarily in three priority areas: Many companies today are seeking to find the balance between technology and human touchpoints. American Fidelity Assurance Company's Chief Sales Officer Rafael Garcia shares, 'While we leverage Artificial Intelligence to drive efficiency and precision in our processes, we are deeply committed to keeping the human spirit at the core of our benefits administration functions. The goal is to complement human capabilities, not replace them. This study reaffirms that principle, reminding us that our greatest asset remains our people, even when AI is trending like it is. And that sentiment rings true for manufacturers as well.' About Manufacturers Alliance Foundation Manufacturers Alliance Foundation is the 501(c)(3) partner of Manufacturers Alliance. The Alliance Foundation provides educational opportunities for the manufacturing community and its stakeholders through insights, events, and tools for today's most critical business decisions. The Alliance Foundation focuses on talent, technology, digital transformation, and competitiveness. Learn more about the Alliance Foundation: About Manufacturers Alliance Manufacturers Alliance powers leaders. We bring together an unparalleled network of manufacturing executives to advance their careers, grow their companies, and support the whole community. We accomplish our mission through peer communities, education, and business insights on the topics that matter most to the sector. In our 91st year, we continue to drive the manufacturing community to be smarter, faster, and better. Learn more: About American Fidelity American Fidelity can help extend the reach of your HR team to every employee, supporting a culture where employees feel secure and valued. We can help you leverage your benefits program to empower employees, enrich company culture and improve employee loyalty. For more than 60 years, we've helped organizations elevate their benefits strategy, and we can help yours, too. Visit Contact Information Kristin Graybill VP, Commercial Strategy [email protected] (703) 841-9000 SOURCE: Manufacturers Alliance press release
