Hi,
I recently recieved a parking ticket from a private firm (Northern Parking Solutions) whilst parking at my friends. He has lived there for several years and i've always parked there with no hassle what so ever. This week I went round to visit him and parked my car at the side of the road as normal. There are parking bays for all residents, but none for visitors. Until this week, there has been no signs or warnings to say that you cannot park on the road side. There's no road markings either. Anyway, there is now a sign up warning people that this is private land and by parking here you are agreeing to the 'contract' of being charged with an £85 fee, reduced to £60 if paid within 7 days, but increased to £140 if late! I wasn't expecting a no parking sign as i've always parked there and if I'd seen it, I would most certainly not have parked there! I feel that this is an extortionate amount of money to charge and considering the circumstances unfair. If it was £20 or £30 I probably would have befrudgingly paid it, but it's a private firm and the amount is huge. I simply cannot afford to shell out £85 for an innocent act.
On the backof the receipt it states that they won't deal with multiple appeals, that i must state my name and address if I appeal, and that they can request info form the DVLA should I not cooporate. It also states that if the Parking Notice is presented in front of a Police officer, it is important that the officer doesn't discourage payment. This last bit smells a bit fishy to me.
Also, I have read that with it not being a council run area or company, that the driver is liable, not the owner of the car. But if i leave it, I fear that the bailiffs will be paying me a visit in a year or so, with an even higher charge. Or even worse, an appearance in court!
Are there any loop holes and what is my obligationj into paying this ticket?
Thanks
Paulo82