WE see from your article (Parent and child given parking ticket for parking in ‘parent and child’ bay, September 4) that Hereford’s Old Market shopping centre uses private contractor UKPC to manage parking and hand out fines.
Throughout the UK, there is friction on this issue and many people are confused as to how to deal with a fine due to contradictory information.
Even the industry’s own Ombudsman has highlighted widespread poor practices.
UKPC rely on the law of contract to issue fines, yet lack of clear signs can mean that it is unlikely any contract was formed so fines are invalid.
In addition, UKPC are unlikely to have the legal standing to issue any claim should drivers refuse to pay.
These incidents are not isolated. The British Motorist Protection Society is campaigning for #FairParking and our members are offering to help those who pick up a fine. They can also help drivers through the appeals process.
One in every two tickets are cancelled at appeal as being without merit, so you can see how wide this abuse of the driver is.
Our campaigners are also challenging the industry’s legal basis of these fines at the Court of Appeal.
ANGUS GILL British Motorist Protection Association, The Old Courthouse, North Trades Road, Battle, East Sussex TN33 1EX Tel: 01424 559345
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