Shocked receiving a CIVIL PARKING CHARGE NOTICE

John_Har

I visited a NEW LIDL store on way back from visiting a friend's home.(13/03/18)
I have received a notice/fine on 17/03/18 issuing me with a fine of £90 (reduced by £45.00 for payment within 14 days) for staying 51:01 mins OVER. The permitted time, THEY state is 1 hour 30mins and THEY say I was parked for 2 hours 21mins 01seconds.
I was GENUINELY unaware of, a) That there was a time limit because I DIDNT see any notices where I was parked..b)how long I had been there.
They, ATHENA ANPR Ltd, say that terms and conditions are CLEARLY displayed on signs in PROMINENT places,
I parked about half a dozen car spaces away from the store entrance and didn't see ANY signs, granted, I didn't look around for any.
I presume because it's on Lidl ground, it's a private car park and there are NO pay and display, so I didn't even think there would be any charges/restrictions, it never entered my mind.
I have a lot of personal problems, I'm currently recovering from sepsis and it was my first time out and driving, my main concern was actually getting through, what was for me, quite a challenge. The only reason I was out was because I had visited my friend to have a bath at his, yes, it's a long story, lost my job through illness,boiler broken, can't afford to get it fixed ,skint, etc. BUT, those are MY PERSONAL problems, I don't think ATHENA would be bothered in the slightest, I'm sure they only care about getting the £90 off me but my main question is, the fact I didn't see any signs on my journey into the store, as I've admitted, I wasn't looking for any.
Do I just stick to that as my defense and be strict with my appeal or explain my situation and circumstances, I can supply evidence from my Doctor and even bank statements that my sick pay has finished and I GENUINELY, GENUINELY don't have any money to pay it.
I HAVE TO APPEAL for the reasons I've given. BUT, I also feel somewhat conned, as I've said, I didn't see a notice where I went from my car into the Lidl store and I was shopping, spending money, in their store.
I really really need some advice, guidance, I'm DESPERATELY worried and haven't slept much since I received this fine, I'm so worried.
I know that MY problems are just that, MINE and there's people worse off than me.
This is NOT a sad sob story, and I don't want ANYONE thinking this is just a reuse, a scam, just to get out of paying the fine and I also know that ignorance isn't a defence, BUT I GENUINELY, GENUINELY DID NOT SEE A SIGN ON MY JOURNEY INTO THE STORE.
I DESPERATELY need some advice on this, I can't think straight at the moment on what the best course of action is, well, the one thing I DO know is I can't pay £90.
THANKS, IN ADVANCE FOR YOU'RE ADVICE, WHAT A MESS TO GET IN.
John H

waamo

Take a long, careful read of this https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4816822

Coupon-mad

I DESPERATELY need some advice on this, I can't think straight at the moment on what the best course of action is, well, the one thing I DO know is I can't pay £90.

Seriously why do people not simply complain to Lidl? Why is that NOT the first thing everyone does?

The email to contact Lidl to get this cancelled, is in the Successful Complaints link in that sticky thread linked already for you, the one we ask all newbies to read first.

If you search this board for the keywords Lidl Athena you will find that's the only way to cancel these, but it works EVERY time when patrons of Lidl complain loudly.

John_Har

Thank you waamo.
I've read all related info and sent an email directly to Lidl complaining about Athena.
I feel a bit embarrassed that I didn't read it before I started that thread, but it's out there now, although I've nothing to hide, shame and embarrassment aside.
Thanks again.
I'll let you know what, if anything, happens. x

John H

Half_way

As above, instead of worrying get in touch with Lidl, but before you do, post your complaint here, something like ( but not exactly) this:

Dear Lidl on<date> i visited your < name of store> and I was surprised to receive a parking charge notice <reference number> from your agents, Athena parking.
I am slowly recovering from a serious life threatening illness, Sepsis ( and a few other issues) and as such basic tasks such as shopping take substantially longer for me to complete.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could give this parking charge notice your utmost attention, as i feel that i have been discriminated against as a result of my medical condition(s) and this has left me with a very experience and i am also fearful to visit any of your retail outlets that have ANPR time monitoring systems in their car parks in case a similar thing happens again.
This whole situation has left me with heightened anxiety, stress and worry, and i am now extremely apprehensive, and nervous to visit a Lidl store in case anything bad happens, im not sure if i could deal with debt collectors letters, and having to deal with Court, please help i am sick with worry and having trouble sleeping