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Why is Parking Eye able to fine people for overstaying at service stations?

We recently received a demand in the form of a £90 fine imposed by ‘Parking Eye’ at the M40 Welcome Break Oxford service area because we overstayed by one hour (10:46:42 arrive, 13:52:17 departure). We used the service area as a halfway point to deliver my elderly mother (87) to relatives, who were taking her back to Surrey with them for the Christmas break. We had a leisurely lunch, a chat and another coffee (receipts available). We are all pensioners and are devastated at the outcome. We have been meeting there for several years now to halve the journey for my sister and myself.

Asked on 14 April 2012 by JS, Tamworth

Answered by Honest John
This is such a ridiculous situation that I have to urge readers never to stop at any motorway service area that operates a time limit unless they absolutely have to. The government urges drivers that "Tiredness can kill. Take a break," but if they do and fall asleep, the government-contracted service area operator lands them with a significant penalty.

The British Parking Association has asked that anyone aggrieved by the behaviour of a private parking enforcement company that is a BPA member should report the matter using www.britishparking.co.uk/AOS-Enquiries.
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