What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Car parking

I put £10 into a ticket machine at P&O Ferries, run by PPS. When I returned to my car two days later there was a 'penalty notice' for £30, rising to £100 if not paid within a certain time. The ticket showed I had paid nothing.

I appealed against this and said the machine was faulty but they would not accept that, even though I sugested they would have £10 more in their cash box if I had paid. I later reluctantly paid them £20 and told them they already had the other £10. They then told me I owed them £80 (£100 less the £20 paid). I objected again. Now they have sent a bill for £107.50 to be paid by January 15th. Can they do this?

I have read some of your comments on car parking (in the Telegraph) and wonder if you have any thoughts on this one?

Incidentally, I later discovered that you can get a ticket to park free for two hours. I didn't check the ticket I had received for my £10. There is no parking office on this site. The people at P&O say they do receive some complaints from customers.

Asked on 11 January 2011 by Hallstean

Answered by Honest John
No they can't. Demand that they take their case to a County Court near you where you will countersue for the time you have lost defending yourself. See the FAQ:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/parking-fines
Similar questions
I have an on-going dispute after my wife was involved in a non-fault accident. I am making slow progress with the lawyers but, in the meantime, we have to re-new the policy on my wife's car. The renewal...
I was caught by police crossing red traffic light and without a licence. The incident happened 15 months ago. Police told me that I will get a summons from court. I didn't receive any summons 'til now....
During last year summer (June 2010) I had an accident which resulted in my car going into the garage. The car was kept in the garage for four months due to lack of parts (which had to ordered in) and incompetent...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer