Had a run in with this firm at McD's Gatwick. October 2007 I parked there with my family, and overstayed my welcome by 6 mins. I wrote letters complained etc, tore a strip of Mcdonalds managers and wrote to their head of customer services. You will come up against a brick wall if you do this. Neither Mcd's or Civil E care - even if you wrote saying that you slipped over in the restaurant on a half eaten burger and broke your legs and couldn't drive - they just, don't, care. All they want is your money. Take the good advice from this website, and just stick to your guns. I wrote about 4 months ago advising I will see them in court and that was the last I heard. My opinion is McD's and Civil E have a good thing going - think about this if they issue 1,000 of these fines and only 80% get paid this is easy money for both involved. This is an unethical operation, but is a sign of the times. Good luck.