Unwelcome Breakdown

I had a meeting with a colleague at Hamilton services that ran over the 2 hr parking allowance. We were in the Costa Coffee area and purchased coffees and food during this time. I have received a parking charge of £90 (reduced to £50 if paid within specified date). Are charges applicable to customers, or is this charge supposed to be for non-paying customers? Should I appeal or ignore it?

Asked on 29 December 2012 by EJ, via email

Answered by Honest John

There are clear notices stating that parking at motorway service areas is restricted to two hours. Government advice is 'Tirdness can kill. Take a break'. But when drivers do this and fall asleep in their cars they are subject to a £90 fine. I have taken this up with Rod McKie, CEO of Welcome Break. His less than satisfactory answer appeared in the column on 7th July 2007. Subsequently, another reader’s car broke down in a Welcome Break carpark, and she too has hit with a £90 Parking Charge Notice for overstaying the 2 hours.

Tags: parking fines legal and consumer advice

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