Advice needed private parking ticket – mediation appointment (Euro Parking / Gladstones Solicitors)

Neo14

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate some guidance on what to expect and how to approach my upcoming mediation appointment for a private parking claim.

Summary of my case:

Claimant: Euro Parking Services Ltd

Solicitor: Gladstones Solicitors Ltd

Claim issued: 15 August 2025 via Civil National Business Centre (Northampton).

Allegation: Breach of parking terms at Stack Shack (July 2024).

Total claimed: £257.50 (includes £100 PCN + £60 “contractual costs” + fees and interest).

I’ve already submitted my Acknowledgement of Service and filed a detailed defence, mainly arguing that the Particulars of Claim don’t meet CPR 16.4 requirements and citing recent cases (Civil Enforcement v Chan and CPMS v Akande).

The court has received my defence, and Gladstones have sent me their completed N180 Directions Questionnaire stating they agree to mediation.

I’ve now received my own mediation appointment letter, confirming a telephone mediation is booked. It says:

My questions:

What should I exepct during the mediation? Should I offer anything or just restate that I dispute the entire claim?

If they push for payment, is it better to offer a settlement or hold firm?

Any recent experiences or tips on how Gladstones usually behave during mediation?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Mildly_Miffed

There's several parts to it...

There's the original £100 penalty.
How credible is your "but I don't owe anything" evidence from last summer? You didn't park there? Signage? Just saying the paperwork isn't up to scratch is not quite the same thing... 

Then there's the costs following on from not paying it.
How engaged were you in the aftermath? Did you actually produce that evidence, or just hope it'd go away?

BlueonBlue

You need to post in the private parking sub forum under motoring where you will get advice from experts involved in private parking who are very very experienced .

They know all this exceptionally well so will advise and direct you ... anyone not onboard with facts may be reminded opinion and manipulation dont go down well at all .

Otherwise you risk serious misinformation and pointless opinion which is not contract law and a complete waste of time not to mention will direct you towards failure .

From my limited experience those calls .....are to be ended very quickly disputing the claim .
The end game is Gladstones caves in at the last hurdle when you fight back .

Neo14

Thanks- will post it with more details in the correct forum.