need help re 'fined for leaving the site'

nightbaby

hi everyone - I have just found this website and would really value your guidance.
I parked in a big car park in Reading which services various large stores.
There are lots of signs saying 2 hours free parking. I was back within the hour - it was my lunch break.
24 hours later, a friend noticed the parking fine on my car which had been stuck on just above the tax disc - I had not even noticed it - talk about sneaky.
The fine is from UK CPS Ltd £100, or £60 if I pay before 14 days and the reason given was 'Leaving site'. I went back to the car park and read the small print on the sign; it does state that a fine would be imposed if the site was left. There were lots of spaces in the car park. Should I pay up? I can cope with letters but don't want bailliffs turning up. Thanks.

ManxRed

No you shouldn't pay. Firstly it isn't a fine and if it does say that on the paperwork on the signs then they really have shot themselves in the foot, but no mind - they do not have the power to fine anyone, they can only legally pursue anyone for the actual losses incurred as a result of your heinous crime of leaving the site, which in a free car park is zero.

So yes, ignore all the nasty letters threatening you with court action and other made up stuff that they have no intention of following through with.

Bailiffs cannot get involved until they take you to court, you lose, and then you still refuse to pay up. None of this will happen though, legally they don't have a leg to stand on.

societys_child

What ^^^ ManxRed says ^^^ I could write a whole load of reasons why you should ignore CPS (and other private parking companys) but all the reasons are here on this forum. Have a read of the many posts to put your mind at rest.

corbyboy

I am confused by the circumstances. How can you be fined for leaving a car park?

societys_child

corbyboy wrote: »

I am confused by the circumstances. How can you be fined for leaving a car park?

Many shopping centre carparks have this "rule". ie the car park is for the use of *customers only* and they don't want you to park there and shop elsewhere.

give_them_FA

Not, of course, enforceable by way of a penalty for supposed breach, though.

societys_child

give_them_FA wrote: »

Not, of course, enforceable by way of a penalty for supposed breach, though.

Thanks, yeah, I should have added that.

peter_the_piper

corbyboy wrote: »

I am confused by the circumstances. How can you be fined for leaving a car park?

One Hastings shopping centre clamps you if you do.

interstellaflyer

So OP, you parked up, went to get a sandwich and had intended to call in to that large electrical store to look at a large plasma screen tv, however when you noticed that their parking monkies had given you a ticket you took your business elsewhere. Or a complaint along those lines to one of the main shops on the site.