How to park in public car parks
Discussion
Careful. My son got a ticket for parking over the white line in a "public" car park. Local signage set out the rules and fines. Car park is managed for the council by a private firm.
It took a total understanding of the rules and regulations and many hours of research and guile to get him off due to a technicality related to the signage, and to get a compensation payment from the car park company for a DPA breach.
I was in two minds whether to help, as he'd parked selfishly with the white line running down the centre line of his car "so as to avoid other car doors opening on my car." But the way the parking company went about fining him got me incensed.
It took a total understanding of the rules and regulations and many hours of research and guile to get him off due to a technicality related to the signage, and to get a compensation payment from the car park company for a DPA breach.
I was in two minds whether to help, as he'd parked selfishly with the white line running down the centre line of his car "so as to avoid other car doors opening on my car." But the way the parking company went about fining him got me incensed.
I hate parking in public car parks so much I go to great lengths to avoid it, or I sit in the car while my wife pops to the shop.
Id happily pay a fine rather than risk a dent.
On a side note, has anyone ever thought of, or come across, any temporary protective device you can stick to the side of the car to avoid car park dings. Like a stick on / magnetic strip along the doors ?
Id happily pay a fine rather than risk a dent.
On a side note, has anyone ever thought of, or come across, any temporary protective device you can stick to the side of the car to avoid car park dings. Like a stick on / magnetic strip along the doors ?
Whilst I’m not offering advice, I do know from professional experience that very few private parking companies will follow through with their spurious threats of legal action, and rely on people’s ignorance and fear to pay up.
Many of them act in an unethical and aggressive manner, especially when it comes to their written correspondence. You can always do your research and find out how many people individual companies have actually taken to court, and this can inform your decision as to whether or not to pay up.
I
Many of them act in an unethical and aggressive manner, especially when it comes to their written correspondence. You can always do your research and find out how many people individual companies have actually taken to court, and this can inform your decision as to whether or not to pay up.
I
DJMC said:
Careful. My son got a ticket for parking over the white line in a "public" car park. Local signage set out the rules and fines. Car park is managed for the council by a private firm.
It took a total understanding of the rules and regulations and many hours of research and guile to get him off due to a technicality related to the signage, and to get a compensation payment from the car park company for a DPA breach.
I was in two minds whether to help, as he'd parked selfishly with the white line running down the centre line of his car "so as to avoid other car doors opening on my car." But the way the parking company went about fining him got me incensed.
So your son parked taking up 2 spaces, then got off and compo? Wow.It took a total understanding of the rules and regulations and many hours of research and guile to get him off due to a technicality related to the signage, and to get a compensation payment from the car park company for a DPA breach.
I was in two minds whether to help, as he'd parked selfishly with the white line running down the centre line of his car "so as to avoid other car doors opening on my car." But the way the parking company went about fining him got me incensed.
Nowhere is safe folks! A few years ago I parked my 550 Maranello at the far end of a supermarket car park, not another car within 20 yards, and when I returned some joker had parked his car about 6 inches from my driver's side. I had to get in the passenger door, clamber over the gear stick, tumble into the driver's seat. All very elegant....not! Bloke in another nearby car sitting there eating a sandwich evidently thought it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen. Must confess to a sense of humour failure on my part.
zedx19 said:
So your son parked taking up 2 spaces, then got off and compo? Wow.
In brief, the firm on the signage wasn't the one which applied to the DVLA for my son's info and then sent the parking ticket out to him.This meant the ticket was not from the correct authority, so invalid, and also his data had been retrieved from DVLA by a firm with no right to it. My son paid me half the compensation for my efforts.
CaineIsCarter said:
(Not really. But it’s how I want to
)sapphire blue too, my new Porsche will be built in that colour next week, touch wood no delays.
Rob996 said:
Do you also find that when you return to your car there is always another car parked next to it. Even if the car park is empty.
I swear this happens all the time! Honestly, why do people insist on parking next to a flashy sports car of all cars when there’s other spaces all over the place? Like, why even risk going anywhere near a car that would be expensive to repair if you just so happened to ding its paintwork with your door?I have two theories.
(1) People who take pride in their car will obviously park next to other expensive/well-looked-after cars as they know their owner will definitely be careful opening their own doors. Even I do this sometimes in busy car parks! I’ll search around for clean, obviously cared for and/or expensive motors to park next to.
(2) People can’t bay park within the lines without having another car next to them to use for reference to guide them in straight.
SL550M said:
Nowhere is safe folks! A few years ago I parked my 550 Maranello at the far end of a supermarket car park, not another car within 20 yards, and when I returned some joker had parked his car about 6 inches from my driver's side. I had to get in the passenger door, clamber over the gear stick, tumble into the driver's seat. All very elegant....not! Bloke in another nearby car sitting there eating a sandwich evidently thought it was the funniest thing he'd ever seen. Must confess to a sense of humour failure on my part.
You've obviously been successful in life, therefore you have to be knocked down a peg or two by life's failures so they can feel better about themselves.I think i'd have buried a shopping trolley into his door!
CaineIsCarter said:
Whilst I’m not offering advice, I do know from professional experience that very few private parking companies will follow through with their spurious threats of legal action, and rely on people’s ignorance and fear to pay up.
Many of them act in an unethical and aggressive manner, especially when it comes to their written correspondence. You can always do your research and find out how many people individual companies have actually taken to court, and this can inform your decision as to whether or not to pay up.
I
I am offering advice.Many of them act in an unethical and aggressive manner, especially when it comes to their written correspondence. You can always do your research and find out how many people individual companies have actually taken to court, and this can inform your decision as to whether or not to pay up.
I
They do now!
I am defending proceedings in a County Court in the North West currently for a client...
Gassing Station | Boxster/Cayman | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff