Read but still confused...!!

TalkGirl_uk

Hello,

I am hoping you might be able to help or at least set me straight as to where I stand. I stupidly initially listened to my parents who have previously (over 2 years ago) received similar notices and ignored them! I then stumbled across this forum and realised that I had taken the wrong action. I then set about reading the different threads and trying to work out if there is anyway of getting it revoked.

Unlike most of the notices I am struggling to identify if I genuinely have a claim. Just before Christmas I received a Charge Notice from CP Plus documenting that I have over stayed the 2 hour free parking period by 39 minutes (times from 18.13 - 20:52). I am a regular user of this services and have seen the big 2 hours free parking signs (on the roads in) but have never read the small print on these signs. Although I stupidly overstayed the 2 hour free limit I was using the facilities onsite (Mcdonalds and Costa Coffee). Up until a few moments ago (good old google maps) I had never noticed any further signs documenting the conditions of the contract or new that I would be expected to pay £20 if I stayed even 5 minutes past the allotted time. I find this just extortionate when the car park was less than 50% full.

Your thoughts would be welcome particularly as I am not sure if I have any grounds to stand on, the idea of paying the charge really irritates me. Thank you in advance

Hot_Bring

How did you get the "ticket" - windscreen or through the post ?
Was this in Scotland or NI ?
Are you the registered keeper ?

TalkGirl_uk

Sorry forgot to add these:
How did you get the "ticket"? - the post
Was this in Scotland or NI ? Neither
Are you the registered keeper ? Yes

Redx

as its E+W , read the NEWBIES - READ THIS FIRST sticky thread at the top of this forum, about 3 down, follow the advice and relevant links in there

TalkGirl_uk

Sorry E+W?? Being dippy, do you mean 3 posts/paragraphs??

Redx

England and Wales (as in not scotland or northern ireland)

there are about half a dozen sticky threads above this one , at the top of the forum, the NEWBIES thread by coupon-mad is about the third thread down (so threads, not posts or paragraphs - which is why I said sticky THREAD)

you should be reading that avidly

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4816822 is the link u want

TalkGirl_uk

Thank you for the link. Having had another read of BPA codes of practice has allowed me to formulate an angle. Based on this I am going with the following arguments:
- Lack of contrast/illumination as late at night + poorly placed signs (away from parking lighting/headlights and at dangerous turning points)
- Poor weather conditions
- Unrealistic estimate of loss
- Extortionate costings

Does that sound plausible?

Redx

yep, something like post #7 here https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4856615

TalkGirl_uk

Okay cool i will draft something tomorrow. At this initial point do i need to give further justification and evidentiary support for my arguments?

Big_Bad_Dad

Just one thing. I am familiar with CP Plus. Now you are probably aware that ALL private parking charges are 101% unenforceable, CP Plus are responsible for one major clanger in much of their signage, especially at motorway service areas (they have the contracts for Moto).

I see yours was from a retail park. Maximum 2 hours - but what exactly is the "non return by" period? At motorways their signage is void of this term and therefore the period for which one would have to pay or leave the car park effectively never begins as one is free to drive out and back in again, effectively not having to leave.

Is there a "no return within" period on yours?