Smart Car parking

cath65

Hi- In August I received a parking fine from my local LIDL carpark as I had overstayed 30 minutes - I was sent a photo of my car exiting the car park. I appealed the fine on the grounds that my mother has a disabled badge which was in use on the day and, as she is 87 years old, she takes some time to complete her shopping in town. As far as I am aware, the Council parking rules allow a disabled badge holder unlimited parking time. Why would a private car park act differently. I have received a £160 from a debt recovery agency with the threat of court action if I don't pay. I am unwilling to pay this hefty and unfair charge. Any advice very much appreciated!!

many thanks ::money:

Lord_Baltimore

I don't think there is an obligation on Private Companies to mirror the practices of the local Council.

LIDL could counter-argue that their rules are designed to benefit their customers as a whole and conceivably your mum's overstay may have deprived another elderly badge holder of a short stay space .

Fruitcake

It is not a fine.
Parking on private land is unregulated.

Debt collectors have no powers and cannot do anything other than send you poor quality bog paper.

Please read the Sticky thread for NEWBIES to understand how this scam industry works.

Did you give away the driver's details when you appealed.

Coupon-mad

cath65 wrote: »

Hi- In August I received a parking fine from my local LIDL carpark as I had overstayed 30 minutes - I was sent a photo of my car exiting the car park. I appealed the fine on the grounds that my mother has a disabled badge which was in use on the day and, as she is 87 years old, she takes some time to complete her shopping in town. As far as I am aware, the Council parking rules allow a disabled badge holder unlimited parking time.

Why would a private car park act differently. I have received a £160 from a debt recovery agency with the threat of court action if I don't pay. I am unwilling to pay this hefty and unfair charge. Any advice very much appreciated!!

many thanks ::money:

You should complain to Lidl's CEO by email, showing any proof that you/mother/the family do shop there (bank statements etc) even if not that day. Also attach her Blue Badge and ask for the PCN to be cancelled.

Do not admit using the car park to shop in town unless this is 100% allowed in that car park (some are OK and must be made available to local shoppers, due to Planning Regs, but some are not for that).

Of course disabled people do not have unlimited parking, not even within most Council rules. Even on a double yellow on street, a Blue Badge only allows 3 hours. Why did you not park on street on a double or single yellow (if there are some near the shops)? That's what a Blue Badge is for, to make high streets accessible by parking where others cannot, ON-STREET, not in car parks particularly.

Don't pay this, even if Lidl do not cancel it. Read the NEWBIES thread.

I have received a £160 from a debt recovery agency with the threat of court action if I don't pay. I am unwilling to pay this hefty and unfair charge

Do not EVER contact the debt collectors - read this thread:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5035663

Debt collectors can only send letters so don't contact them. They cannot start a court claim.