Parking ticket at B&Q / Comet

[PeckhamRose]

Got sent a Parking ticket for parking at B&Q / Comet by UKPC (Parking Contgrol) who run the land concerned, on the Old Kent Road.

I parked the motorbike on an area I have always parked the motorbike on and there are no warnings not to. None. Motorcycles always park there by the bicycle racks.

Today I got a letter fining me ?90 or ?45 if I pay in 14 days and I have 10 days to appeal in writing only.

But there is no sign telling me I can not park the motorcycle there.

Before I appeal, anyone got any ideas about this?

Blinder999 please do not respond. You will offer nothing of use to me. :)

There is a motorcycle park on that area somewhere, but the point is there is no sign telling me I can't park the bike with the other bikes but they've fined me.

Oh - I looked up that other website re. parking wardens and fines but that doesn't seem to cover privately owned land.

Thanks for any help!

[david_carnell]

I did read something related to privately issued tickets that basically says as long as they don't clamp you it's nigh on impossible to take you to court over if you refuse to pay.

I'll see if I can find it.

[PeckhamRose]

Look at the time. You replied two minutes after I posted. Wow. Thanks!

[david_carnell]

The CAB say the following:

If you park on private land without permission (or stay longer than you paid for, for example, in a shop car park), you might get sent a notice telling you to pay a parking fine. This might look like an official fixed penalty but it isn't one. It's a notice that they intend to take you to court for trespassing, and will offer to let you pay some money to settle the case out of court. This isn't a criminal matter. If you get one of these notices, get advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau.

Basically you can tell Tesco to whistle for their money unless their willing to go to court over it. A strongly worded letter outlining your position (i.e. why you didn't commit an offense, long time Tesco customer, bad public relations, never shop here again etc etc) should do the trick.

See here for more details

[PeckhamRose]

Thank you so much. I shall word my very careful letter of appeal to them now (without admitting it was me, and without denying it was me), and cite the various cases relevant. I am grateful for your help. In the thread discussing why we like this forum so much, I would cite this very case! Thanks David.

[david_carnell]

You're more than welcome. And bonne chance.

[PeckhamRose]

Changed title, can't delete message though. Happy Wednesday everybody...

[HonaloochieB]

A thread about parking that didn't turn into a debate/fight about greenies, petrolheads, inept drivers etc etc.

Good work PR and DC. You're beautiful people.

[PeckhamRose]

Why thank you!!

I shall remember to tell you the outcome too.

http://www.thegreatparkingticketswindle.co.uk/

Great website I've come across!