Private parking fine

Deputydave

Dear All
I would appreciate your advise on the following.

I live in a multistorey type development with the residents parking under the control of a private company. Aforementioned company puts a ticket on my car at 2 IN THE MORNING. I freely admit I was parked in an unmarked area due to my visitor being in my allocated space. Usually I would be in my space while my visitor would be in the visitors section of the car park but this was full on this particular evening.

The ticket was for £75, going up as time goes on. The ticket does not record my registration accuretely (one letter wrong) and neither does it accurately describe the coulour of my paintwork. Even if they have a picture of the car (and hence the correct reg) I do not think they wil wish to persue this matter given the above discrepancies. Am I being optimistic? I would welcome your feedback guys.

Thanks
Dave

bargepole

Firstly, this is NOT a fine - private companies cannot fine you.

Secondly, the discrepancies regarding colour, reg no. etc., have no bearing, as there is no legislation covering private parking.

All they can do (assuming they've got the correct reg recorded somewhere) is send you an invoice for an alleged breach of an implied contract. As the registered keeper, you are under no obligation to disclose who was driving, and any contract can only be with the driver, not the keeper.

Thirdly, any charges they are imposing would almost certainly be an unfair penalty, and not a true reflection of their losses.

In short, do not contact them or respond to their threatening letters, even the ones from toothless "debt collectors" or bogus solicitors. After a few such letters they will realise you aren't going to play the game and go away.

Just in case they are the sort of idiots who would clamp your vehicle (illegally) for unpaid "debts", it might be an idea to keep a strong pair of boltcutters handy.