Private Parking Charges

[mattylondon]

Two years ago I gave SWMBO a lift to a conference that was at a Holiday Inn hotel, I was in their car park about 5 minutes. 3 hours later I picked her up and again was no more than 5 mins. Each visit well within their 10 minutes free policy. However, I was very shocked to have received a private parking charge stating I was parked for 3 hours - my exit and entry in between had not been recognised by their ANPR system. Something called double-dip in my internet search back then. I appealed to them but never received any further correspondent from them or a POPLA code.

Maybe I was foolish to think that the matter was done and dusted as yesterday the car park operator, Civil Enforcement Ltd, sent me a Letter Before Action threatening County Court proceedings.

Unfortunately I have no idea how to defend myself. I can't prove that I left the car park and came back later.

My mistakes were when I appealed to Civil Enforcement Ltd I didn't use Signed For postage (how can I prove they got my appeal?) and I never chased them regarding an acceptance.

Unfortunately I am going to pay the inflated pre proceeding settlement they are asking for. I have no idea of the fee I would have to pay if I lost in court. So they are winning only by fear even though I did not illegally park as they claim.

I hope no other forum member has to pay an unjust penalty to any private parking operator.

To add I was disappointed with how the mangers and staff of the Holiday Inn wiped their hands of the situation and their only line was to contact their car park operator, Civil Enforcement Ltd. Since then we've avoided Holiday Inn and InterContinental Group.

Rant over.