Terms and Conditions

Last updated: 7 February 2025

1. Service Description

ParkingPermitPal ("the Service", "we", "us") provides:

• WhatsApp Bot: An automated messaging service that facilitates visitor parking permit bookings between tradespeople and residents
• Web App: A tool for booking multiple days of visitor parking permits through council portals

The Service acts as an automation layer that submits booking requests to third-party council parking portals (such as Taranto-based systems) using credentials you provide. We do not operate, control, or have any affiliation with these council systems.

2. Nature of the Service

You understand and agree that:

• We are not a parking authority, council, or permit issuer
• We have no control over council parking systems, their availability, or their accuracy
• Booking confirmations from our Service reflect what the council system reported at the time of booking, but may not reflect the current state
• Council systems may experience errors, downtime, or changes that affect bookings

3. Limitation of Liability

3.1 Booking Verification

While we make reasonable efforts to verify that bookings have been submitted successfully:

• We cannot guarantee that a booking confirmation from our system reflects the actual state of your permit on the council's system
• Council systems may accept a booking request but fail to process it correctly
• Technical errors may occur between our system and the council portal
• You are solely responsible for verifying your parking permit status directly with your council before relying on any booking

3.2 Third-Party Actions

We have no control over and accept no liability for:

• Resident cancellations: If a resident cancels visitor vouchers through their council account after a booking is made, we may have no way of knowing or notifying you
• Council policy changes: Changes to CPZ hours, voucher validity, or parking restrictions
• Account issues: Expired vouchers, insufficient balance, or account suspensions on council systems
• Enforcement actions: Council parking enforcement operates independently; we cannot prevent or contest fines

3.3 Best Efforts, No Guarantee

We will use commercially reasonable efforts to:

• Submit booking requests accurately to council systems
• Display confirmation information received from council systems
• Send reminder notifications before booked dates
• Notify you of errors when we detect them

However, these efforts do not constitute a guarantee that your vehicle will not receive a parking fine. The ultimate responsibility for ensuring valid parking lies with the vehicle operator.

4. User Responsibilities

By using the Service, you agree to:

4.1 Verification Obligation

• Always verify your booking directly on the council's official parking portal before parking
• Check that permits are active and valid for the correct dates, times, and vehicle registration
• Not rely solely on our confirmation messages as proof of valid parking

4.2 Accurate Information

• Provide accurate vehicle registration numbers, postcodes, and dates
• Ensure council account credentials are valid and up-to-date
• Notify us immediately if you suspect any errors

4.3 Compliance with Parking Regulations

• Understand and comply with local CPZ hours and restrictions
• Ensure parking is permitted in your chosen location (visitor permits may not be valid in all bays)
• Display any required permits or follow council instructions

5. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless ParkingPermitPal and its operators from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Service
• Parking fines or penalties incurred while using or relying on the Service
• Inaccurate information you provide
• Your failure to verify bookings or comply with parking regulations
• Disputes with councils, enforcement agencies, or other users

6. Service Availability

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available". We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted or error-free operation
• Compatibility with all council systems (currently supporting Taranto-based systems only)
• Availability during council system maintenance or outages
• Continued support for any particular council or feature

7. Beta/Pilot Status

8. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• Use the Service for any unlawful purpose
• Attempt to bypass council system restrictions or abuse voucher allocations
• Provide false information or impersonate others
• Interfere with the operation of the Service or council systems
• Use automated tools to access the Service (beyond our provided interfaces)

9. Intellectual Property

The Service, including its design, code, and content, is owned by ParkingPermitPal. You may not copy, modify, or redistribute any part of the Service without permission.

10. Privacy

Your use of the Service is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your data.

11. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time, for any reason, without notice. You may stop using the Service at any time by messaging "DISCONNECT" on WhatsApp or clearing your browser data for the web app.

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. Material changes will be communicated via WhatsApp or on this page.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and ParkingPermitPal regarding use of the Service.

16. Contact