Hi there…..

I wondered if I could ask some advice, or to be pointed to a web page/site that might help me please?

I am a disabled driver, and today I had to give my daughter a lift to the hospital, as she had injured her back, and the GP had requested an x-ray.

The hospital was very busy when we got there, and the top disabled car park was full, so I had to drive round to one at the end of the main car park. On arrival, all of the parking bays were full, except one and it was that busy that people had even parked up on the grass banks. I pulled into the only space left, noticing the yellow xxxxx box running down one side, I also noticed a Blue sign which said; “Keep Entrance Clear Please Do Not Park”  I understand that with it being a disabled car park, there would be folks in wheelchairs who would need access to the ramp entrance up to the hospital – many times when I have been in my chair, people hadn’t given enough room for you to get to the entrance and up the ramp and you had to go over the grass... not nice if you are in pain!- SO I made sure that I was well in the parking box, and not on the yellow x box at the side, I also parked further back, so that people had plenty of room to get up to the ramp/Entrance. I have pictures of the sign and my car parked well within the bay!

Needless to say, when we got out, I had a ticket on my car…….

£40 if paid within 14 days then £80 after that!

I knew there was nothing I could do about it until I got home.

After looking at the links from this site and the posts in the forums, and information on a few other site, I have come to the conclusion that;

The parking ticket (a private one) is not valid because;

1)      It doesn’t have two dates on it – It only has the date of contravention.

2)      It states that my car is Blue.

3)      It says that the contravention had occurred in a private parking area by CPEA – B: Vehicle causing an obstruction in a private car park……

Then written by hand underneath this it says; “THE SIGN SAYS NOT TO PARK HERE”

I looked at the photo of the sign and it didn’t say that at all it said…..“Keep Entrance Clear Please Do Not Park”

In my view I did leave the entrance clear, as I said I have a picture that I am in the box and not over lapping the yellow xxxx box.

Also the colour of my car is Amethyst, not Blue.

And thanks to the information from Antony; Private Parking Companies rely on the law of contract. And I haven’t entered any contract with them!

Can some one tell me if I am right please?

Many thanks in advance for any help

Myeika