Civil Parking Notices - do I need to pay?

I went to an OU summer school at Bath university, bought a parking permit for the week, was told that I could park anywhere, in any space in the East or West car parks.

Parked in West car park, in a space which did say reserved, but as I had been told I could park anywhere in this car park, I guessed these spaces were reserved only during term time.

Returned to car 6 days later to find a Civil Parking Notice. Wrote to Car Parking Partnership explaining that I had bought parking permit and had been told I could park anywhere.

They have written back saying they understand that I was advised to park anywhere, but because space was reserved, they will not cancel the ticket and they are now advising me to pay within 14 days or they matter will be passed to a debt collector.
Do I need to pay this? Can they pass to debt collector? Will it affect my credit rating? Will they take me to court?

Asked on 9 October 2012 by Marie Watson

Answered by Honest John
This is now subject to a new law from 1-10-2012 that makes the keeper of
the vehicle liable for unpaid parking charges, but gives three stages of
appeal. First to the issuer of the charge, second to POPLA and third to
the Small Claims Track of the County Court.

More at: www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/private-parking-penalties/

If you appeal you automatically lose your right to the discounted charge.
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