Time-stamp drift — clocks unsynchronised

ANPR system clocks must be synchronised (commonly via NTP). Where timestamp drift is shown — through camera-side log or by reference to legal time (UK time signal) — the period of parking may be wrong by minutes or more, which can convert a within-allowance stay into an apparent overstay or vice versa. Demand the NTP source, last-sync timestamps for the period covering the event, and any drift logs. ICO surveillance camera guidance notes accurate time-stamping is core to data accuracy.

Legal basis

UK GDPR Art 5(1)(d); Surveillance Camera Code 2013 (rev 2021) Principle 7; Civil Evidence Act 1995 s.9

How to identify this in your case

Marginal overstay; you can produce alternative timestamped evidence (text, dashcam, transaction) that contradicts the operator's times.

Sample appeal wording

Dear [OPERATOR], Re: PCN [REF] — Disputed timestamps I dispute the accuracy of the timestamps shown on your ANPR images. Independent evidence of timing: - [Dashcam footage at TIME] - [Bank/card transaction at TIME at adjacent location] - [Phone call records] These show my entry/exit times differ from yours by approximately [X] minutes. Under UK GDPR Article 15 I require: (a) NTP source and the most recent successful sync timestamp before [DATE]; (b) Time-drift log for the period [DATE] +/- 7 days; (c) Camera maintenance records. Without reliable timestamps the alleged period of parking is not proven on the balance of probabilities and the charge fails (PoFA 2012 Sch 4 para 9(2)(b)). Yours faithfully, [NAME]

Replace [PARKING DATE], [NtK DATE] etc. with your own dates before sending.

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Sources

UK GDPR Art 5(1)(d)
Surveillance Camera Code Principle 7
Civil Evidence Act 1995 s.9