Woman questions parking fee issued after Asda stay

Lin Dawes said her daughter received a money claim from parking lot surveillance company Parkingeye, even though she was only parked for a short time.

She said her daughter was parked in Asda’s car park.

Lin said she understands the wage claim is unenforceable because it counts as an invoice, not a fine, for an illegal act.

She added: “I made a post on Nextdoor because I wanted people to know about it, and I got a lot of replies from people who had similar cost demands.

“The letters are so menacing.”

The letter she received about the parking issue on May 31 last year asked for a payment of £60, she said.

She added that she has since been in regular contact with Parkingeye about this and that the money claim has risen to £170.

A letter dated April 3, 2023, sent by Parkingeye to Lynne’s daughter, read: “We have recently written to you regarding an unpaid parking charge and Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd have been instructed to collect the outstanding balance on behalf of our client.”

The letter sent to Lynne’s daughter. (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

“The balance is still outstanding and you are now at risk of legal proceedings.

“In the event that a claim is made against you, there will be additional fees and costs which will be added to the balance you owe our client.

“Thereafter, failure to pay the claim amount may result in a district court judgment being made against you.

“This may result in further enforcement action being taken and in certain circumstances it may result in future loans not being made.”

It continues: “At this point in time, you can no longer appeal the parking fee.

“Your next opportunity to challenge the allegation would be if the matter went to court.”

Lynne said her daughter was not parked longer than allowed, which according to signs in the car park is three hours and no parking within four hours between 6pm and 11:30pm 6am.

The sign reads: ‘There will be a £100 parking fee for non-compliance with the terms and conditions.’

Lynne said she wants to raise awareness that Parkingeye makes mistakes and doesn’t treat people with respect, but also raises concerns about the company’s legal threats, believing it has no legal obligation to pay the fine to do so is considered so at the judicial level.

A Parkingeye spokesperson said: “Conspicuous and highly visible signs are posted throughout the car park at St Nicholas Gate Retail Park with information on responsible use of the car park.

“Customers of the retail park have a maximum stay of 3 hours, returning within 4 hours is not possible.

“Those who need more time can register their details at the terminal in the Halfords retail unit. The signage also states that parking is strictly prohibited between 11:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m..”

“We have contacted the motorist four times and received no response, nor has the motorist appealed.

“After reviewing the case, however, we canceled out of good faith.

“Parkingeye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals process that allows drivers to appeal their parking charge notice.

“If anyone has extenuating circumstances, we would encourage them to emphasize this through appeal.”