Parking fines: Motorists facing legal repercussions for car park mistakes.

Drivers, Beware: Car Park Errors Cause Controversy Car park users have found themselves in hot water due to issues with payment machines that make it tricky to input vehicle registrations accurately. Some operators are issuing £100 parking charge notices (PCNs) for what they call "keying errors". Trade associations representing private car parks are speaking out against this practice, stating that drivers should not be penalised for minor errors and that charges for major mistakes should be reduced to £20. However, some drivers are still receiving £100 fines and even being taken to court if they refuse to pay up. One such case involved Donna Nash from Worksop, who was ordered to pay Excel Parking £282 after a court ruling. Despite only entering the first two letters of her registration before making a payment, she was found in breach of the contract with the car park operator. Although Mrs Nash argued that the payment machine was faulty and had misled her into paying early, the court ruled against her. This decision left her feeling frustrated and stressed, highlighting the ongoing problems faced by drivers in similar situations. Other motorists have also reported issues with payment machines, leading to incorrect or incomplete registrations being processed. Despite the Code of Practice for car park operators stating that minor keying errors should not result in charges, many drivers are still facing £100 fines. When faced with these fines, drivers have the option to appeal to the car park operator and, if necessary, to independent appeals services. Some cases have ended up in court, where judges have dismissed claims against drivers who have made innocent mistakes. As the parking sector investigates these issues, drivers are calling for better technology and processes to prevent keying errors and unnecessary fines. Organizations like the RAC are advocating for a complete ban on charges for keying errors and are urging car park operators to take more responsibility for ensuring fair treatment of customers. In the meantime, it is essential for drivers to be vigilant when using parking facilities and to challenge any unfair fines they receive. Stay informed and stay safe on the road. worksop, parking, car park, fines, errors