Private Parking law

[andreaarty]

Do you have information about private car parking. My boyfriend who is new to this country parked in a private car park by mistake. he thought it was the private car park for the restaurant we were dining in.

We were sent a fine for �60.00 and were told we could only appeal when the fine was paid. We sent a cheque along with the appeal. However, unfortunately my boyfriends wages were late getting to his account and the cheque bounced. They then sent us a fine for �80.00 and told us we have lost our right to appeal!

Thank you very much for your help

[flyciderman]

Did the car park display a notice suggesting that a charge would be made?

[Androcles]

I'm intrigued.....if you parked in a private car park, how did they know where to send the fine? Were you clamped - you don't say you were? Otherwise the only way they could get get your name and address, if you did not give it them ,was from your registration number, which if it was a private car park, how did they get it?

[HelpfulHarry]

Were you with him when he parked? or were you "new" to this country as well? The parking enforcers are easily able to get his address from DVLA if they have good reason, which of course they did. As you had no grounds for appeal anyway, just pay up now before it increases more.

[Whickerman]

Guys - this one was covered on Watchdog last week -here's some advice:

1. Private firms who are members of the British Car Parking Association have access to DVLA records, hence the traceability
2. You do NOT have to pay fines they impose - even if they threaten.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/consumer/tv_and_radio/wat chdog/reports/transport/transport_20080225.sht ml

This from the article: Conrad Murray is a lawyer who thinks the public are frightened into paying up when they receive these charges from private firms. Unlike penalty charges from the police or councils, you�re not legally obliged to pay them. He says that if they charge is unreasonable you shouldn�t pay, �If you get a parking charge notice you haven�t broken the law; you�ve committed no offence.�

[andreaarty]

It was my car he was driving. I don't remember if I gave them my address when I sent the cheque to them or if they got my address from my number plate.

I wasn't with him at the time but we went back together and yes the car park displayed a private car park sign for people not displaying a valid permit. The letter came from corporate services.