VCS reduced settlement charge

I pay a monthly fee for an underground car park space on land owned by an apartment building development company. I have a tax disk style parking permit issued by VCS.

The car park is patrolled by VCS.

I came down this afternoon to find a myparkingcharge notification saying to log into their portal to view evidence of a parking T&C contravention.

I looked over at my car park permit to find it upside down, when I was driving home yesterday with the windows open it must have shifted around and landed face down.

In the 'evidence' photographs taken by the so called parking 'agent' you can see the disk. Upside down but it is obvious what it is. I have parked there for 7 months, surely he recognises my car and will have seen the disk countless times before.

I would post an image but as a new user on MSE it won't allow me to post URLs.

I righted the disk and phoned VCS who advised to lodge an appeal. I looked into that but upon seeing the form that requests personal details and the requirement to check a checkbox that says "I accept these facts as they are presented" or something similar - there is absolutely no bloody way am I doing that and providing them with that information or checking that box.

I pay for a valid parking permit. I'm not a paying £60 'fine' (private company issuing a fine, yeah ok) for 1) the ramifications of gravity and 2) because some **** has spotted an opportunity to extort some commission.

I spoke to the landowners, the company I rent the apartment from who agreed with my point of view and said they'd contact VCS and get this ridiculous charge squashed.

They have done so however I heard back saying that there is a remaining 'reduced settlement charge' of £20.

I phoned VCS who said if I refused to pay they would pass the matter onto a debt collection agency.

I know all about Simon Renshaw-Smith. I will not be one of his victims.


Seeking your advice and experience.

Cheers guys, much appreciated.