Parking charge query advice please

[DM79]

So my mum, uncle and mums friend went to M&S earlier, it's on St James retail park in Knaresborough. My uncle has Parkinson's and a disabled badge so they park in a disabled bay and go about their shopping. When they come out they have a lovely sticker on the windscreen demanding money. The issuing company is 'UK Parking Control LTD'.

The reason on the ticket is "Parked in a disabled persons space without clearly displaying the expiry date of the disabled persons badge" They want £60 if paid in 14 days or else £100. I think it's fking disgusting and my mum and co. are obviously all very upset.

Apart from the obvious going through their appeal process is there any better alternative? Maybe calling M&S for support?

Their picture of offending badge:

[DM79]

Thanks for the replies! It's just so frustrating that in placing the badge on the dashboard they weren't careful enough to make sure they were separated properly. I'll call M&S tomorrow to see if they have any leverage.

[DM79]

Thank you for all the information, I spoke with the manager of M&S today and whilst he said he couldn't help immediately he did say if we had any difficulty with the appeal he would try and help our case. So that's one positive. The next step is to appeal to the parking company and escalate to POPLA if needs be.

Watch this space.

[DM79]

Update time. UKPC came back today with their decision on the appeal and said the ticket was issued correctly so they won't waive the parking charge.

However, they said in light of what was said in the appeal (my uncle being genuinely disabled basically) they were willing to reduce the charge to £15! With card processing fee that makes a total of £16.50. In my book that's a result and my mum and uncle just want it out the way so the fine has been paid. If it hadn't been reduced I'd have definitely appealed through POPLA.

Cheers for all the advice people, it was greatly appreciated.