Howard - clearly you should write to Redbridge asking them why they are harrassing innocent motorists by sending out demands for money without proper evidence. Or perhaps not. Just be quietly triumphant. Top tip: Never cross parking wardens, the police, tax officers or journalists - they always have the last word ...and they've all got long memories.

Howard - Take a close look at the PCN. Excel Car Parking demanded £40 for a ticket which was not clearly displayed but unfortunately the attendant filled in my car parking ticket number on the form. So read the PCN letter by letter to find any mistakes. I e-mailed them asking them about this attendants superior powers of discerning what was on the ticket without seeing it and added that I would be happy to see them in court.. but that they should expect to pay my costs. I've heard no more but apparently they can chase you for up to two years after the event. General advice: Photocopy everything. E-mail all paper evidence to yourself as a record. REALLY IMPORTANT: Pay for any communication to these car parking companies - letter, cheque etc as a Signed For Delivery. Apparently another wheeze is to say that the payment cheque has not been received and that you will incur yet another fine. Good luck!