Parking charge at Earlsdon Park

Danceronce25

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice regarding an Excel Parking charge that has now been passed to DCBL.

I parked at Earlsdon Park MSCP, Coventry and purchased a 24-hour ticket from the machine for £3.00 at 18:51 on 23 May. The ticket was valid until 18:51 on 24 May, and I displayed it in my windscreen.

Unfortunately, I had to leave the car park at around 7.00 pm because of a family emergency. I returned to the same car park at 10.24 pm that evening. My ticket was still valid, and it remained displayed in the vehicle.

Excel later issued a Parking Charge Notice stating that I had “failed to pay for the duration of stay”. They appear to be treating my second visit as a separate parking event.

I appealed and explained that I had paid for 24 hours, but Excel rejected my appeal. The matter has now been passed to DCBL, who are demanding £170. I have tried speaking to them, but they refuse to consider my proof of payment and simply say the £170 is due.

I still have the original parking ticket, which clearly shows the purchase time and expiry time.
As far as I can remember, the signs did not state that

• a 24-hour ticket was valid for one continuous stay only,
• leaving the car park would end the parking session, or
• re-entry was prohibited.

I’m very worried because DCBL have mentioned court action, and I really want to avoid that if possible.

Has anyone dealt with this specific issue with Excel Parking or this car park? Do I have reasonable grounds to defend this if it progresses, or is there anything else I should be doing now?

Many thanks for any advice.

Le_Kirk

DCBL are debt collectors and have no powers. See NEWBIE sticky fourth post. Only Excel parking or their solicitors (which may turn out to be DCB Legal) can institute any court action.

Coupon-mad

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6677171/parking-charge-at-earlsdon-park

Please show us s picture of the front & back of the PCN. This could be a case where the unfairness you describe could be shown to the CMA, who need to be looking at Excel urgently.

You will never have to pay this.

There is no need to be worried at all.

You have an absolute defence! No judge would find in favour of Excel.

As you describe, you paid for 24 hours of parking so you were entitled to that under the contract. the signs did not state that

• a 24-hour ticket was valid for one continuous stay only,
• leaving the car park would end the parking session, or
• re-entry was prohibited.

So you were never in breach. No money is owed.

You do seem to have missed looking at the advice and £170 threatogram pics in post 4 of NEWBIES PLEASE READ THESE FAQS FIRST.