Parking Charge Help!!

DracaDullah

Hi everyone, looking for some advice on a private parking charge situation that's gotten out of hand.

Background: I received a parking charge for overstaying at a private car park (Sports Direct Unit, The Junction West, Thurrock). The reason was my disabled friend had a medical flare-up while we were shopping and we couldn't make it back to the car in time. I know this doesn't legally matter, but it's the context.

I appealed to both the parking company and then to IAS (Independent Appeals Service). I've just received a debt recovery letter from DCBL for £170. I didn't even get an opportunity to pay the normal fee and was sent a letter for the final notice.

The IAS decision letter they've included with the debt collection notice is dated 18/10/2025, but I never received it. The first I'm hearing about the rejection is now, months later, when it's been sent to debt collectors and tripled in price.

My Question: I'm willing to pay the original parking charge but don't want to - I overstayed the limit and I understand that's enforceable. But I never got the chance to pay it because I was never told my appeal was rejected. Is there any recourse here for the fact that I wasn't notified? Can I argue to pay the original amount rather than £170 plus whatever fees they've added or can I get away with not paying it?

The letter says I have 14 days to pay or they'll recommend court action. Should I:

1. Contact DCBL and explain I was never notified of the rejection?
2. Contact the original parking company directly?
3. Just pay the £170 to avoid court?
4. Something else?

Any advice appreciated. 

Jame4ters

Don’t pay anything

Read the “Newbies” thread.

Plan A is to complain to the landowner 

Gr1pr

Name the private parking company involved 

1) NO, IGNORE THEM,  post 4 in the newbies sticky thread in announcements 

2) NO

3) NO , DEFINITELY NOT. !

4) Try plan A in the newbies sticky thread in announcements near the top of the forum,  complain to the landowner's or business etc, trying to get it cancelled ASAP 

Le_Kirk

Best to read the NEWBIE sticky, where you will find that Plan A is the first on the list, a COMPLAINT to the landowner or retail unit.  You should cite the Equality Act 2010 and explain that this gives those who need it, more time to shop due to being slower than a normally abled person.

DracaDullah

Where can I find the newbies sticky? I'm new to this forum so unsure what to do

Gr1pr

There are 6 announcements stuck  ( pinned. ) to the top of forum,  so above your thread

The newbies sticky thread is 3 down from the top,  so currently in 3rd place,  click on it and read

DracaDullah

I've read it - how do I complain to the business? Would that be sports directs email?

Gr1pr

Possibly,  but more likely to be the managing agents,  or landowner 

Brie

Your friend having a medical flare-up/emergency is a legal issue.  To not allow extra time to deal with this might make this a case of discrimination which would swing a court battle in your favour.  

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81855154#Comment_81855154

errr… no.

This is Sports Direct you're talking about. They have a truly appalling reputation as a trader and (reportedly) don't even grant refunds, so there's zero point contacting them!

DracaDullah

Would I get away if I don't respond to it? I can't seem to find the landlord of the car park so I'm quite stuck.