Cheers mate, that analogy has made me laugh in a day that has been filled with frustration. The more I read up on all this, the more it seems utterly ridiculous.

Thanks, I thought that was the case. I have said I will pursue them for breaching the contract. I'm going to fire off some information to Trading Standards later today too. The Centre Manager admitted that they've been through 3 of these parking enforcement companies recently and even admitted the parking situation there is badly managed and that VCS aren't very good. At first I wondered whether I should cave and pay but they are not getting a penny. Speaking to them has riled me.

Sorry I need to get my terminology right. Parking Notice not a Penalty Notice.

Hi, bit of an update. I emailed the Centre manager asking for an email address relating to the penalty notice and he called me to discuss the issue. He has said that if I get photographic evidence that the old, out of date permit was displayed at the time the penalty notice was issued, he would cancel the ticket. I am not sure if I did display the old ticket, or if I was ever told to do that. I asked why it was necessary and he said 'you could be parking more than one car in the car park'. He said this had happened before. Surely this changes nothing? He admitted they have had issues on the payments side.

Ericbrother, Thank you for your input, this has put my mind at ease a great deal. This is the first time I have been pursued for money by anyone. I am so glad I took the time to research this which led me to this forum.

It is 'Vehicle Control Services Ltd' who have contacted me. Do you think my next point of action is a letter to Eddisons?

Hi Armadillo, The company I pay is Eddisons Commercial Property Management and they manage the property (including the car park) for Coopers Square shopping centre in Burton.

Hi, I'm hoping someone may have the knowledge to help! I pay for a quarterly parking pass to park in a private car park attached to a shopping centre near to where I work. I've been parking there for around 18 months without issue. At the beginning of January I transferred payment to the company for the next 3 months of parking, all good. Usually, they deliver a paper pass to my place of work. After a week or so, I hadn't received this so I rang the office to chase it up and they agreed to look into it for me. It was agreed (over the phone unfortunately) that in the meantime I would display a note in the window stating 'paid & waiting for new pass'. The next day, I received a ticket. When I called back, the office claimed to have not received my payment, although later in the month they admitted they had found the payment and have since issued the paper pass for the period. VCS are now pursuing me for payment of the ticket. I have already emailed them the details outlining the mix up with the office but they maintain I have broken the rules by 'Not displaying a valid pass'. Please could someone advise whether: A) I have a case to appeal B) Who to speak to next?