A car parking enforcement company is refusing our offer of a 'reasonable payment' in lieu of the full fee - what now?

My wife recently was served a notice for parking overlong at an Asda supermarket. We followed your advice and sent £10 with a letter using the wording you recommended. The cheque was returned with a letter saying they did not negotiate. We then sent the cheque again with a letter saying we were not negotiating but making a reasonable payment for a minor breach of contract and if they did not agree we would see them in the small claims court. The cheque has again been returned to us with a letter saying" I must inform you that the parking charge notice was correctly issued and remains payable at the full amount of £60." How do you think should we proceed?

Asked on 13 November 2010 by JA, via email

Answered by Honest John
Tell them again that it's a matter of contract and if the parking enforcer thinks there has been a breach and that your £10 compensation is not "reasonable" he must bring a case against you in the small claims track of a county court convenient to you and inform you beforehand so you can defend yourself. They will then drop it.
Similar questions
So far I have not been caught by private parking enforcers, but I have some ideas if I ever am. For example, if I'm in breach of contract with anyone, it's with the owner of the supermarket or whatever,...
Carla Carlisle, a columnist with Country Life, wrote a harrowing piece about an A14 accident in the Travel Section of the DT on Saturday 24 March. I wrote to her this week and had a very positive email...
As things stand The British Parking Association fully expects to have an Independent Appeals Service in place for October 2012. Meanwhile, if you come across a reader complaint that you feel is justified,...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer