I came here to get some constructive input, which in all fairness points to a consensus stating that I should just ignore the letters. I have yet to see any feedback to the contrary that outlines how to approach the matter in a proper capacity. (not to just simply ignore) My perspective is that you cannot just ignore letters that come in the post that could then give rise to a legitimate claim being made against you. - Ignorance after all is the biggest sin of all. I have send an appeal by email a short while ago to EP, thus showing some level of compliance to their process. Now it is up to them to comply with my position - which is after all that will be said and done, hell would have to freeze over before they see a single penny from me. (unless they miraculously get some court order) At least I can point back to the fact that I clearly informed them that "Any such claim or demand by EP for any or as in this case - a wholly disproportionate sum of money, is denied and rejected."

Well to be in adherence with typical protocols, I will be sending my "appeal" via email so that at least I can point back to this in the case that this matter is escalated to a higher authority. If anyone wants to jump in here before I hit send, please do so... I will be sending in about an hour or so. Will be sure to let you all know how this pans out. R

I also just stumbbled upon this very interesting link that outlines some methods of approaching such matters: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-2242801/The-trick-beat-private-parking-tickets-I-dodged-service-station-fine.html?ito=newsletter

Reading over the various posts I have seen that it is best not to admit being the driver, so does the approach of "we" self incriminate?

I appreciate that / everyone else on this board seems to encourage the ignore approach. In order for POPLA to be involved "who will surely see sense of the matter" I must appeal in the first instance Here is the proposed appeal response, Would appreciate feedback on the wording particularly; Without Prejudice: We received a PCN Ref Number XYZ; and we write to appeal this and seek this matter to be closed. First and foremost we were making a trip to Comet store – Tunbridge Wells, and as such had a viable reason to park in their premises in the first place. Looking over at the photo evidence that you have provided – this merely shows the point / period of which their vehicle entered the turn into the car park but not in fact the actual space where the care was parked – which as you will see below was substantially lesser that that you have referred to. More over, there should have been a grace period granted that can be extended particularly to an instance where a baby is involved. You should be aware that we had been in Comet for the entire duration of the time that the vehicle was parked and upon leaving Comet went back directly to the car and left the car park accordingly. It should also be know that upon entering the actual car parking areas (the bays) it took at least 15 minutes to a) find a space b) exit vehicle with baby, pram, and baby particulars. Furthermore on departure it took nearly 20 minutes to exit the car park bay, a) as it was very dark, b) made it harder to place baby in the car seat in safe manor, c) due to there being a major commotion with other vehicles / namely vans blocking reversing area meant that there was a overage in the time that the vehicle actually left the premises. Lastly at the junction where you show the second image of my client’s vehicle leaving the premises, the junction to join the main road was exceptionally busy and the vehicle was stationary there for at least 5 minutes before being able to join the main road and continue the onward journey. So therefor this PCN is whole inappropriate and we ask that you cancel this and desist from taking any further action or making contact.

Thanks Sean, How is this situation different from say; I go to a NCP car park, (pay for a ticket - for an hour) park my car and then come back 2 hours later and find a parking ticket notice? They will still expect you to pay the ticket or begin to hunt you down until you do. Just to be on the safe side and to trigger a possible POPLA input should this matter get escalated from PE side - I am working on an appeal letter which I hope to post in the next 3 - 4 hours. I would appreciate feedback from all.

Thanks again

Thanks for posting link, although it refers to VSC, I see the similarities. Is this notion of a contract only if monies exchanged applicable to a free car park? have I entered into a contract by parking there in the first place? PE point to terms and conditions of parking - legalese that is intended to imply that I am in a contract with them... Would you respond pointing out the situation and a link to this article? at lease to show that they are confronting an informed person rather than someone who will just fall back and let them walk all over? Ultimately, they - PE must be able to do something to claim fines or they would not be in business or have been contracted by the land owner to monitor the car park. Thanks for your continued input.. R

Can these guys really enforce a charge of £100 (£60 if paid before set date) for a 24 minute overstay? To be fair it took me 10 mins trying to get out the dam* car park as it was so busy so technically I was 14 mins over their allotted time.. It just winds me up that I have to sit here at near midnight to get engrossed in these matters....

Can you point me to these 2 recent cases you refer to please?

Thanks Side - I am a strong believer of approaching things diplomatically, and trying to find an amicable resolution to a problem. In all my due diligence / research about these SOBs I found that everyone says to ignore (but its likely not their name on the line so why wouldn't they say this). I have also seen some cases of this type of matter being escalated and leading to increased fines. So that being said, looking for a tactful approach first before just adding more fluff to my shredder R

Hi HavinaStella. (fellow Crawley buddy) If ignored can these cowboys escalate it or what? Is there a more professional approach to employ? What would be the best approach to appeal in the first instance? regards, R

Hello Folks, Wonder if those in the know about private parking company PCNs - namely ParkingEye can jump in with some constructive feedback here. I received a PCN from ParkingEye today (dated 5 days ago) parking in Tunbridge Wells whilst in a closing down Comet store. They asking for £60 by 22/12 or it will become £100. I Was in there for 2h 24m (time allowance is 2 hours) but was in the shop genuinely buying some products (albeit discounted as they were shutting down , that i lost track of the time i had been in there. I have been doing lots of research about appealing the PCN with PE directly, complaining to the retailer (not possible as they are now gone bust), ignoring letters, etc but am worried that they may escalate this matter to higher authorities - bailiffs, Courts, credit agency etc. I take pride in maintaining a good record with all concerned, but this matter has got me puzzled. They offer an email address to appeal to - if so is it safe to email an appeal or safer by post? Not sure what to do, would appreciate any feedback you can generously provide. Best regards, Ryan