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Is the driver or vehicle owner responsible for parking fines?

A relative borrowed our car in 2019 to go to hospital but apparently never bought a parking ticket. We have had threats for a year then they stopped as the relatives said they had sorted it out. now a letter arrived (at the wrong address) stating they wanted £170 or they will pass the fine to a solicitor. The person who drove the car no longer lives in the UK.

It seems strange that after all these years we suddenly start getting letters again and over the past month one every week demanding money. My question is as I am the owner of the car am I liable or is it for the person who parked the car at the hospital car park liable? They are unlikely to pay it as they live on the other side of world and won't be coming back. I have been away for a month so I haven't communicated with the company.

Asked on 9 July 2024 by

Answered by David Ross
The person driving the vehicle at the time of the offence is liable for the parking ticket, in the same way that they would be liable if they committed a speeding offence. Unfortunately due to the amount of time that has elapsed you are unable to appeal the ticket, but you should still inform the company of the name and address of the person responsible. In the event that they pursue action against you and are successful, you would then be in a position to make a legal claim against the person driving the vehicle at the time.
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