£90 private parking ticket?

rainbow_fountains

I got a parking ticket in a private car park behind some shops in the centre of town. All surrounding roads with parking bays don't charge, they just have a 2 hour limit, but none were available. This is the only private car park in town.

Here's the scenario: I've lived in this town for 12 years and that car park has always been free. Evidentially it was recently taken on by the private car parking company Euro Car Parks (BPA registered). It was 8pm, dark, so I was unable to see the one sign at the entrance, which is also to the side of the driver, not in front of the driver as you enter the car park. Assuming nothing had changed I parked and went out to dinner, came back to find nothing wrong. 1 week later I got a £90 parking charge through the post (they use cameras apparently). I went back to check and saw the sign. It costs £1 to park there after 6pm. Just £1.

(Yes, yes, I know just because it always used to be free isn't a valid excuse, just bad luck on my behalf.)

I've read that private car parks are not allowed to issue fines, they can only bill for lost revenue (making the £90 fine outrageous). Is this correct? I'm worried about just ignoring it in case they send round bailiffs or it effects my credit rating.

I'm in England btw.

Advice?

adouglasmhor

read these stickies all the answers are there.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4816822
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4896178

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

Rainbow sent you a pm

da_rule

Need to clarify a few points:
1) Was this ticket received through the post or affixed to the vehicle?
2) Are you the registered keeper?
3) Is this in England/Wales?

rainbow_fountains

da_rule wrote: »

Need to clarify a few points:
1) Was this ticket received through the post or affixed to the vehicle?
2) Are you the registered keeper?
3) Is this in England/Wales?

1) and 3) were already in my original post, but I'll write again anyway:

1) Nothing was on the vehicle as they use cameras, it came through the post.
2) Yes I am the registered keeper.
3) England.

rainbow_fountains

adouglasmhor wrote: »

read these stickies all the answers are there.
link
link

Thanks, but being a complete novice to this I find that thread a bit daunting, I really need someone to explain it to be in plain and simple English at this stage.

rainbow_fountains

In regards to signage, the signs are big and very clear (in daylight hours.) They are on the side wall of the entrance, not in front of the driver. There is no lighting (not sure if that's a requirement) so at night, unless you were actively looking for a sign you wouldn't see it. The ticket machine is also hidden in a corner of the car park, so that's not very visible either. But like I said, during the day you couldn't miss it.

kirkbyinfurnesslad_2

rainbow_fountains wrote: »

Thanks, but being a complete novice to this I find that thread a bit daunting, I really need someone to explain it to be in plain and simple English at this stage.

Rainbow

Please see the private message ive sent to you

Can handle it all for you

Umkomaas

Rainbow

Kirkbyinfurnesslad is a trusted forum member, so you should seriously consider his offer.

rainbow_fountains

kirkbyinfurnesslad wrote: »

Rainbow

Please see the private message ive sent to you

Can handle it all for you

Sorry kirkby, at this stage I'm just looking for advice rather than paying for 3rd party help.

Hot_Bring

Umkomaas wrote: »

Rainbow

Kirkbyinfurnesslad is a trusted forum member, so you should seriously consider his offer.

Seconded - if you are daunted by those links then £16 is a worthwhile investment.