Athena parking ticket for Lidl

NickH7005 · 11 May 2015 at 12:37PM

Hi

I have received a PCN from Athena regarding a parking stay in Lidl, Lewisham.

The sign in the car park refers to 10 minutes free parking, but 1 hour for customers. For my sins, I was actually doing some shopping in Lidl. I was there for half an hour, so well within the maximum time limit. I don't have a receipt, but I do have a statement from my bank to confirm the exact time my card transaction went through (6 minutes before I left the car par).

I've seen lots of threads on here from people who exceeded the parking limit, or for people who weren't customers, but can't find one for people who have been wrongfully sent a charge in the first place.

My question is, should I email my appeal, attaching the note from my bank, or go straight for the standard templates which have been posted on here? I've read that I am apparently supposed to have told the cashier my car registration to get validated. I had no idea about this at the time, so didn't do so.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks.

Redx · 11 May 2015 at 1:44PM

you should use the template and add a note mentioning that the driver (who you wont name) has a bank statement for the transaction and you have attached or enclosed a redacted copy, therefore the parking charge should be cancelled

then complain to LIDL head office as well, again enclosing a copy of the redacted bank statement as proof of patronage

so a 2 pronged attack

ColliesCarer · 11 May 2015 at 1:46PM

Hi Nick

Don't worry about looking for an exact match - it's the legal arguments that matter most

Take a look at the sticky thread entitled "**NEWBIES!! .... for info and advice on appealing inc a template 1st appeal letter.

Also have you tried complaining at the store - Lidl have a fairly good record for cancelling for genuine customers

NickH7005 · 12 May 2015 at 12:04PM

Thank you both for your quick replies - I really appreciate your help. Fingers crossed....!

choice4 · 12 May 2015 at 1:37PM

For Athena in LIDl I just ignore them, they don't chase you up like PE

ColliesCarer · 12 May 2015 at 3:05PM

choice4 wrote: »

For Athena in LIDl I just ignore them, they don't chase you up like PE

Ignoring is not advisable, except as a last resort.

They may not be chasing or taking people to court at the moment but situations/laws can change and they have 6 years to decide whether to bring a claim against you.

Far better to get rid of the possibility altogether -
Athena are easy to beat at POPLA - especially on the no authority point.

Manny04 · 27 May 2015 at 10:21AM

Hi,

I recently received a civil parking charge notice from Athena after a shopping trip to Lidl. The reason for this charge is staying 15minuits over the allowed time limit of 1hour 30minuits. Even though I have seen the signs on the car park, I wasn't able to go through checkout as quickly as there were lots of shoppers but less checkout staff.

The problem I have now is I have already paid this charge a few days ago (reduced to £45) as I saw this notice quite late and thought I should pay to avoid the full £90 charge. But thinking about it now, I feel I had reason to appeal the decision as all the time was spent in the shop (got receipts to prove it).

Can anyone please tell me if I can get my money back through an appeal and if so how do I go about it?

ColliesCarer · 27 May 2015 at 11:10AM

Oh dear .... as you've already paid I think Athena will refuse to consider any appeal and your chances of getting your money back from them are IMO slim to non existant.

But you could try complaining to the CEO of Lidl (see link for email addy) who are jointly liable for the actions of their agents - include copies of your receipts and complain strongly about them having engaged Athena to harass customers and don't forget to point out about being delayed by slow checkouts.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/66705298#Comment_66705298

If they are concerned about customer services maybe they'll instruct their agent to return your payment and cancel the charge or perhaps send you a voucher for the same amount.

Would also suggest you read the sticky thread **NEWBIES!!... to gen up on how to deal with these should ever receive another.

Also please start your own thread if you need further advice or help with drafting your complaint

Marktheshark · 27 May 2015 at 11:12AM

Next time take a kitchen timer or stopwatch and leave the shop in time, if that means you have to abandon the trolley full of shopping due to poor checkouts do so.

trisontana · 27 May 2015 at 1:08PM

I was looking at an Athena sign today in the Grantham branch of Lidle. It states that the charge for parking over 2 hours is £70. Nowhere does it say how long you can stay for that payment. A pretty good bargain then if you are planning to go on holiday for a few weeks.

stuebaby · 22 August 2015 at 6:34AM

all most every week this year ive spent at least £10 a week. But coz im not a lidl registered customer ive been finded £45 for parking 65 minues in there car park. By athena anpr ltd and then when you try to contest it they ask if you have a receipt. Who keeps all there receipts ? The signs in the car park are to small for a start lidl needs to sort this out. Ive emailed watchdog about this its disgusted. and I payed it oh dear