Parking charge - £100

[Feltzy]

I'm just hoping someone has some experience or advice with parking charges by 'Parking Eye'? I went to my local Sainsburys just before Christmas and I have been there many times, at least twice a week, and never before realised that there is a max 2 hours parking rule. It was extremely busy due to it being nearly Christmas, and as well as getting a huge xmas shop/presents etc I also took the kids to the café for lunch. I ended up being 2hrs and 18mins in total.

The result of this is a parking fine of £100, which would have been reduced had it been paid within 14 days to £60. Problem is I didn't know I had a fine because they don't give you a ticket, it's run on cameras which log your registration upon arrival and upon departure. We moved house recently and the post detailing the fine went to my old address. The tenants were away over xmas and didn't give it to me until after the 14 day deadline.

I've tried phoning the company to explain but they don't take telephone calls. They have an automated service to pay your fine, that's it. I sent an email, but the fact that I didn't get the letter until after the deadline was completely ignored in their response.

Basically it looks as though I have to pay £100. Gutted is an understatement, it just seems such a huge amount.

Not sure there's anything I can do, but if anyone has advice it'd be greatly appreciated.

 

[special_kala]

If its not a council parking fine the I would ignore it,

 

[Mummy2onexx]

Ignore it, you don't legally have to pay fines if they arnt council

 

[Feltzy]

I read things online about this particular company taking people to court so I'm not sure if ignoring it is such a good idea. I also read lots of people saying to ignore it too, so I just don't know!

If they'd just reduce it to £60 I'd pay it, reluctantly. The fact that I can't talk to them about it and they just ignored what I wanted to say in the email is so frustrating!

 

[Loozle]

I got one from them for overstaying in a lidl car park by 15 minutes. I ignored it and haven't heard anything from them since the 2nd letter.

 

[nobump]

Ignore it they can't enforce it.

 

[lhancock90]

Ignore it, they can't enforce it.

 

[// arcadia]

Ignore it and keep the copys of your emails you sent trying to get hold of them etc for ''if'' it went as far as court but I highly doubt it will xx

 

[Wriggley]

i got one from stayed a few mins late in aldi car park.

but it was for 40. im a worrier so i just paid it because i didnt want the amount to keep going up and id end up paying loads

 

[Feltzy]

Thanks a lot guys, I think I'm just going to ignore it then. I hope the fact that I've made contact already won't make it harder for me, I'll keep you posted!

 

[Feltzy]

i got one from stayed a few mins late in aldi car park.

but it was for 40. im a worrier so i just paid it because i didnt want the amount to keep going up and id end up paying loads

See that's what I'm worried about, if it gets to solicitors and they stick a load of extra charges on. I'll ignore it for now and see what the next letter says.

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

unless its council then you can ignore it. do not reply!

 

[R_x]

That is ridiculous, a fine for being too long in the shop
I'd probably ignore it x

 

[Rachel_C]

I think the current advice has changed. It used to be the case that you could just ignore it but you shouldn't do that any more. Go on the MSE forums, they have lots of threads about Parking Eye. They have templates for the letters you need to send etc. Don't just ignore it without checking out MSE first. Some good threads here I think: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=4816822

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?p=63678135#post63678135

Your best bet might be to go back to Sainsbury's, show them your receipts if you have them for the right day (bank account statement if not) and explain that you were only late back to the car because the shop was so busy and you were spending money with them. Ask them to arrange for the ticket to be cancelled. The second thread above gives a step-by-step guide to what you need to do.

 

[babycrazy1706]

Ignore!!

 

[Yo_Yo]

Martins money tips forums have great advice on this subject.

Happened to us and apparently they are hard to enforce.

They make there letters look so official, but they are quite dodgy IMO

 

[ellismum]

I think the current advice has changed. It used to be the case that you could just ignore it but you shouldn't do that any more. Go on the MSE forums, they have lots of threads about Parking Eye. They have templates for the letters you need to send etc. Don't just ignore it without checking out MSE first. Some good threads here I think: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=4816822

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?p=63678135#post63678135

Your best bet might be to go back to Sainsbury's, show them your receipts if you have them for the right day (bank account statement if not) and explain that you were only late back to the car because the shop was so busy and you were spending money with them. Ask them to arrange for the ticket to be cancelled. The second thread above gives a step-by-step guide to what you need to do.

DO NOT IGNORE!!!!!

Take this advice and visit MSE. There has been changes recently but it's not a case of taking it on the chin a paying.

With the best will in the world you will not get sound advice here on this matter and a specialist site such as those highlighted in RachelC post is the best place to go.

Good luck

 

[Tasha]

My husband works in a store that shares a car park with sainsbury's, so it's a similar system when customers have the same problem and have been shopping in the store, and contact them then they deal with the company to get it cancelled. Worth a shot, ring sainsbury's x

 

[jenny82]

I would do what the others say regarding MSE, however I would also go to sainsburys with my receipt and complain to them. Shocking that they want your business, but they charge you for staying too long - i.e. spending your money in their business!!

 

[special_kala]

I would do what the others say regarding MSE, however I would also go to sainsburys with my receipt and complain to them. Shocking that they want your business, but they charge you for staying too long - i.e. spending your money in their business!!

Fab idea