 Private Parking Maximum Fine
Dear All,
On May 17 evening, i went out to Southhall with my wife and Kid to have dinner. I parked near to the restaurant mistakently at 9:45 PM, which was a private parking. Before parking, i looked at the road signs and around the area. It was pitch dark, and i could not see any private parking signs / yellow lines on road, display boards in the night. After we came back from dinner at 11 PM, our vehicle was not there. We then found after going towards the house wall, a A3 board stating that this is private parking and we will be charged 150 for vehicle clamping, 150 for towing, 35 for overnight stay and VAT, hence total of 390 pounds. I called up the no. given on the board and he told us that they can pick vehicles anytime but they will give it back only in the morning. I went back to my city basildon in a Taxi (Paid 70 Pounds) and came back in the morning to claim my vehicle. My vehicle was released after i paid 390 pounds. I want the members to guide me that is this extortion or is this acceptable fine. I have been charged 390 pounds stating 150 as clamping fees, 150 as towed away fees, 35 as overnight fees and rest as VAT. When i claimed my vehicle, it was not clamped and it was kept under open sky in a garage kind of muddy place.
The Park Direct company has said that i can appeal to their department within 10 days and given an address. However, i would like to have an opinion of all the people here.
Regards | 
