Unusual parking fine problem

[woodwind069]

Although I have read the sticky thread on the law regarding private parking firms, I could use any advice on what to do regarding this somewhat unusual problem.

 

This is the situation: I have been issued a 'parking charge notice' by CHP Associates, a private security/parking firm based in Bristol for parking my moped (a 49cc scooter) at some stands in Anchor Square in Bristol.

 

The stands are those generally designed for bicycles, but I could not see any alternative parking for motorbikes etc nearby and could not see any signs indicating the stands were for bicycle use only.

 

After leaving the moped secured I returned to find I had been issued the ticket which stated the vehicle had been parked in a 'restricted area' and that I had 'no permit' to park.

 

The fine is £50 if paid within 14 days and £75 if paid within 21 days.

 

The ticket says the vehicle was photographed at the time of the ticket issue.

 

It was a Saturday night so there was only one bicycle occupying the stands (about 10 of them). So I was not causing an obstruction, I wasn't in a disabled bay or on yellow lines or overstaying the specified time in a car park.

 

The other parts of the ticket have one date and time box, vehicle reg number and a handwritten line saying 'bicycles only'.

 

I have since revisted the spot to look for signs etc. There are a few simple signs which just say 'bicycles only, no motor vehicles'. And one sign that says roughly: 'private property, unauthorised vehicles will be clamped' and then details of the fine and the company.

 

Can anyone offer any advice as, obviously, I think this is very unfair. Thanks.

[Zamzara]

Sounds like a standard [problem] ticket, and your case is strengthened very much more by the absence of any signs. Don't pay, and follow the advice in the other threads.

[woodwind069]

Thanks.

 

I should add that the ticket says:

 

You are therefore required to pay the parking charge penalty of £75 within 21 days.

 

I thought private company parking fines were a breach of contract issue, and that a penalty was unenforcable.