Parking in Garage/McDonalds

Umkomaas

I've had a quick scan on the HX website, but I'm sure they provide 10 minutes for the motorist to read the signs, decide if to stay or go, and purchase a ticket where necessary. Do a bit of digging.

Great result by the way. Well done.

RedPen50

Lol RedX, I know what you mean, I have a temper and was literally shaking under the table as it seemed their Rep was doing a better job at getting their case across even though the DJ was firing questions at him more than me. I knew I had to keep calm, but it was difficult, especially when you have been preparing for that court day for nearly a year. The thing to remember were the few good points that you have based your defence on. I nearly forgot but it was the DJ who pointed out the problem with the photos. After that I just shut up and let him fight my case for me lol!


Umkomaas - I tried looking on their website too but they don't mention grace periods at all. The first time I heard them mention grace periods was when the rep admitted that they do allow five minutes. I did try to point out to the DJ that I should have been allowed between 5 and 10 minutes (to which he replied that it wasn't relevant, which surprised me) but then he kept directing questions at the rep, pointing out the fact that although the pictures showed a timeline of six minutes, in the last photo it was obvious I was actually driving off and was giving way at the exit. I had the copies of the IPC in my folder saying that they should give grace periods but I never found any such information on any of their letters or website. I think Hx Car Park underestimated the grace period issue and relied completely on Beavis and their photos but Beavis was completely irrelevant and the photos were very poor quality - obviously on a personal camera rather than ANPR.


Huge thanks guys - I have told people about this website if they have a parking fine problem - the information here is priceless and I couldn't have done it without any of you! xxx

RedPen50

Well, Coupon-mad, he definitely came across as an amateur legal rep, although as I said I was worried at one point because the DJ seemed to be listening to his drivel but then he asked him some hard questions which he struggled to answer. Thank God for this website so information like this can be passed on!
Many thanks again xxx

Umkomaas

Umkomaas - I tried looking on their website too but they don't mention grace periods at all.

Found it! This is what was at the back of my mind.

RedPen50

Hi Umkomass, this is the layout of the sign at Salterhebble, it looks nice and large now, but it really isn't and the smaller text is impossible to see from approx. 1 foot away either in or out of a car. Not sure where your sign is from but it looks clearer than this one and mine has no mention of grace periods at all. Strange how they have two separate designs. My guess is that at the garage, because its a shared entrance, they couldn't use their normal car park signs at all so re-designed them so they were still legal but in no way easy for the driver to see until it was too late.

KeithP

What does a sign stating NO STOPPING AT ALL offer the motorist?

A prohibitive sign like that is not capable of being the basis of a contract, therefore it is not possible for the driver to BREACH ANY TERM OR CONDITION.

Coupon-mad

they couldn't use their normal car park signs at all so re-designed them so they were still legal

But incapable of creating a contract, giving you a licence to park, at a price. As explained by KeithP and as in PCM v Bull & ors.

Anyway RedPen50 has already won, so it matters not in this case!