Fuming motorist fined for 'easy' parking mistake which could 'happen to anyone'
A disgruntled driver was hit with a parking fine after accidentally inputting the wrong registration number, despite having paid for his ticket twice. Niel Kirk, 52, had popped to Pizza Hut with his family and forked out for two hours of parking at the Euro Car Parks in Kidderminster, Worcs.
However, upon leaving, he discovered that not only had the £2.40 fee been deducted twice, but he'd also made a blunder with his car registration details. Despite explaining this simple error to the company, the father-of-three was still slapped with a £100 fine, an 'easy' mistake he believes could happen to anyone.
Niel, who hails from Blakedown in Worcester, is now completely resolved to avoid that car park in the future, having been unsuccessful in his appeal against what he considers an 'unfair' parking ticket.
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He explained: "We got a text receipt to confirm we had paid for the parking and our bank statement shows the payment came out twice. When we realised it was the wrong registration, we replied to the text to explain, but about a month later, we got a £100 fine through the post.
"We realised it must have been a number you can't reply to, but thought it would be an easy fine to resolve as it was just a simple mistake."
Even though Niel appealed and showed proof that they'd paid for two hours of parking and hadn't overstayed, their appeal was turned down.
Niel, a senior project manager, even tried his luck with the managing director of Euro Car Parks, only to be told he still had to cough up the cash.
He added: "After submitting the evidence, Euro Car Parks offered to reduce the fine to £20. In hindsight, I probably should have paid the reduced amount, but we paid for the parking.
They practically admitted as much by lowering the penalty, so it seems incredibly unjust to still be charged. I was informed that we violated the agreement by entering an incorrect registration number when parking. This is the reason they are still penalising me. It's utterly unprincipled and excessively harsh.
Euro Car Parks haven't been very helpful and are showing no flexibility, even though we made an honest error. Anyone could have done the same. Their letters are also quite intimidating, threatening escalating fines or debt collectors if you don't pay up. It can have a real impact on people's well-being.
I'm never parking there again, that's for sure. I'm fortunate enough to be able to walk and get around easily, so I can find parking somewhere else. But I really feel sorry for those who aren't as mobile and are stuck with using that car park. Ever since they put in those new payment machines, I've noticed it's hardly ever used compared to what it used to be.
This will begin to adversely affect companies, and I strongly believe that proprietors should reassess the alterations that have been implemented. Individuals simply need to exercise extreme caution.
1. Double-check you've entered the registration accurately and stick to the time allowed. I'd strongly advise against using the car park if you can avoid it. 2. Ensure the registration details are entered properly and that you don't go over the allocated time. I would really recommend finding alternative parking if possible. 3. Please enter the registration number correctly and be mindful of the time restrictions. I'd definitely suggest not parking in the car park unless absolutely necessary.
Weavers Wharf is owned by LCP Estates Ltd, which is part of M Core, and Euro Car Parks is in charge of running the car park. A spokesperson for M Weavers Wharf stated: "We regret to learn of this person's experience. However, Euro Car Parks manages the Weavers Wharf car park separately."
We appreciate that the issue has been taken up directly with Euro Car Parks, as they are in the most appropriate position to provide a response.
We've reached out to Euro Car Parks for their perspective on the matter.
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