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

Expensive Parking Fines

Yesterday i drove into in a UKPC Car Park in Reading to drop off a sign to a friend that had forgotten it. I parked right next to the van who was picking it up. By mistake i had parked between 2 spaces,although when the van went no one was parked either side of me as it was a weekday lunchtime and therefore fairly empty. I had not been in retail park before,and so went into a couple of the shops. I returned to my car some 15 mins later only to find a parking ticket (issued by UK Parking controls ltd) for £90! I have not used this car park before and am disgusted by the size of the fine.
I admit to taking up 2 spaces but feel that a fair rate e.g. £1 per hr should be charged. Upon later inspection of the signs it says park between the bays, and if you don't then you 'may' be fined. For a first time offence why don't they just put a note on the car? I have 14 days to respond i.e. by July 19th.

Asked on 8 July 2011 by Brook

Answered by Honest John
Just don't pay and let them take you to court where you will claim that the penalty was totally unreasonable in the circumstances for your minor breach of contract.
Similar questions
If I park on a wide pavement with double yellow lines painted on the road an I technically parking on double yellow lines? My son parked his van on a wide pavement so wasn't blocking either the pavement...
I am a disabled person unable to walk more than a few yards at a time. I have been using my local supermarket's disabled parking bays for many years, always parking in more or less the same place, close...
I recently stayed in a private car park for longer than 10 minutes due to driving around trying to find the place I needed to be. I am concerned that I will now receive a fine because payment for parking...
 

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