Private Parking Company Fines

lefish

Hi guys,

Sorry, I'm all a bit new to this but saw this thread and wanted to scratch some heads. I often drive from to Cardiff from the South Coast as our head office is there and on the way back a month ago it was late, it had been a long drive and the lit digital signs on the side of the motorway were advising me to take a break. I drove into the next services, pulled up in the dark tree covered car park and had a drink and fell asleep in my car (like many lorry drivers do I guess). I woke up a few hours later, went into the services, spent some money and carried on driving home.

A couple of weeks later I receive a Parking charge notice from a well-known band of PPC's saying I had exceeded the 2hrs parking time at the services and I was due to pay them a fine.

I have read and understand the invoice, no legal standing, no bailiffs bit but where do I stand here? A services on a motorway since when has limits? Plus the government/road safety peops tells you to take a break, lorry drivers sleep there, so why can't a long commuting car driver?

They currently want £100 for the pleasure....... Any help appreciated

pogofish

The Newbies Sticky st the top of the forum will set you right - If you think these invoices are fines, you need to properly inform yourself before you do another thing!

DoaM

WHICH scumpany are trying to fleece you?

All the info you need is in the NEWBIES thread, including the appropriate template appeal wording to use. You could also search this forum (not the whole of MSE forums) for MSA (motorway service area).

And despite what your thread title says ... it's not a fine.

lefish

Thanks guys Guess it got some comments though with that headline

Company is CP Plus

lefish

Sorry am I being super silly - can't see the newbies bit ..... :P

Fruitcake

lefish wrote: »

Sorry am I being super silly - can't see the newbies bit ..... :P

Moneysaingexpert, Motoring, Parking Tickets, Fines and Parking sub forum. The same page where you started this thread.

Fruitcake

lefish wrote: »

Thanks guys Guess it got some comments though with that headline

Company is CP Plus

BPA members, so you want the template in blue for BPA members from the NEWBIES thread.

Copy and paste, don't edit it.

Do not reveal who was driving under any circumstances.

DoaM

**NEWBIES!! PRIVATE PARKING TICKET? OLD OR NEW? **READ THESE FAQS FIRST!** Thankyou!

Not hard to find.

fisherjim

A services on a motorway since when has limits? Plus the government/road safety peops tells you to take a break, lorry drivers sleep there, so why can't a long commuting car driver?

They currently want £100 for the pleasure....... Any help appreciated

Of course you are dead right, and £100 is a down right con.
However this situation has been like this for years at motorway services, and yes you can sleep there like lorry drivers, but you have to pay for the privilege.

lefish

I have drafted a response wouldnt mind getting your feedback guys

lefish

Dear Sir or Madam,

Ticket number:
Vehicle registration number:

You issued me with a parking ticket on 20/09/2016 but I believe it was unfairly issued.
I decline your invitation to name the driver, which is not required of me as the keeper of the vehicle. I will not be paying your demand for payment for the following:


• There was insufficient signage
The car park in question has no clear signage to explain what the relevant parking restrictions are. This means no contract can be formed with the landowner and all tickets are issued illegally. On the night in question it was dark and with the numerous trees around Reading services it makes it difficult to see any clear signage.


• Mitigating circumstances
There are mitigating circumstances to explain why the driver parked in that area and I am requesting that the charge be waived for this reason. The driver, simply headed for the nearest space and fell asleep in the vehicle after a very long drive. It is recommended by the Government Office, the Department for Transport, in it’s THINK! campaign that drivers should take a break when tired. Their research suggests 20% of accidents on major roads are sleep-related. The driver simply put the safety and the safety of other road users at the forefront by taking some time out.

The driver unfortunately fell asleep during this time and finds it baffling that other long distance drivers, such as lorry drivers are allowed to rest. Why is there a difference? The fact that the driver did not see any clear signage on a dark, over tree populated car park makes it obvious that parking signs are not clear.

Equally, the driver was also not causing an obstruction which can give councils or emergency services as Part IX of the Highways Act 1980 (Lawful and Unlawful Interference With Highways and Streets) states, certain powers to remove obstruction, but it would be extremely difficult to make a case for someone causing an obstruction in the early hours of the morning in a dark corner of a car park(under a tree).

Furthermore, the driver also made purchases at the retail premises and feels disappointed having spent money with a couple of outlets in good faith and now faces a charge for the pleasure.

If you choose to pursue me please be aware that I will not enter into any correspondence and this will be the only letter you will receive from me until you answer the specific points raised in my letter.

Yours faithfully,