Motorway services parking 'fine' from parking eye

My wife and daughter met at the Welcome Break services at Charnock Richard North on 22nd September so my daughter could pass over some of her belongings which we would take to her student house. My wife was travelling from Colwyn Bay to Devon, my daughter from her home outside Preston. As my wife was facing a long journey they had coffee and lunch at the Starbucks. They were each unaware of the 2 hour limit on parking and both have since received a Parking Charge Notice from Parking Eye, demanding £100 or £60 if paid within 14 days - they had been there for 3 hours 6 minutes. What is our best course of action? The charge seems unreasonable - the charge for staying more than the 2 hours allowed according to the Welcome Break website is £11.

Asked on 4 October 2015 by Jon Davies

Answered by Honest John

Unfortunately the Appeal Court has ruled that this type of penalty is totally legal and "reasonable" despite the fact that Government warnings on the motorway tell you "Tiredness can kill. Take a break." If that break is longer than 2 hours you have to pay a penalty. Britain is the only country in the world that allows this to happen in a motorway service area. The Appeal Court Case went to the Supreme Court in July and a ruling is expected this month that might reverse the Appeal Court ruling, but meanwhile the Appeal Court ruling is the law.

Tags: parking fines motorway services

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