Is there any way to contest a PCN issued for overstaying at a motorway service area?

Whilst having a business meeting with a colleague at Leigh Delamere service area (westbound) on the M4, we had a nice cup of coffee and a cinnamon swirl, and sat down in comfortable chairs in the cafe. Business over, I returned to the car and perhaps greedily consumed a Cornish pasty, also purchased at the service area and proceeded on my philanthropic way.

After returning from holiday, I opened a PCN for parking for two hours and 48 minutes at Leigh Delamere, complete with images of my car entering and leaving. If this is the hospitality provided by Moto Hospitality Limited, perhaps it should have been no surprise that the parking area there was only a third full. I really resent being asked to pay an extra £20 for parking when I was "taking a break" as requested by police. Do you have any ideas on how I should deal with this, please?

Asked on 29 August 2011 by PG, Well End

Answered by Honest John
The same thing has happened to hundreds of readers up and down the country. It's infuriating and nasty, but it's only £20 so you might as well pay it. The answer is not to patronise any establishment that pulls this dirty trick.
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