Parking Company £1,906 Demands Spark Outrage Unfair Fines
A woman in Derby, England, is facing a £1,906 bill after she took longer than five minutes to pay for parking. Rosey Hudson claims she was unable to pay immediately due to poor phone signal in the car park, but she did pay the full daily tariff each time she parked there.
Despite this, Excel Parking Ltd sent her 10 Parking Charge Notices (PCNs), each for £100. The company claims that Hudson breached their terms and conditions, which state that drivers must pay within five minutes of entering the car park.
Hudson argues that the five-minute rule is “totally unreasonable” and that she should not be penalized for taking longer to pay due to circumstances beyond her control. She also points out that she paid for parking each day, which should negate any claim of non-payment.
The case has sparked concerns about the fairness of private parking companies and their practices. Hudson’s case is set to go to court, where she will argue that the PCNs were issued unfairly.
The issue has also raised questions about the legitimacy of Parking Charge Notices and whether they are enforceable in court. A specialist lawyer in the UK parking sector notes that PCNs are considered a contractual debt, which can be pursued through the civil courts.
The case highlights the need for greater transparency and fairness in the private parking industry. As the use of private car parks becomes increasingly common, it is essential that companies operate in a way that is fair and reasonable to drivers.
