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What are my rights when parking in a private car park - Consumer UK - Sunday Mirror In a YouTube video featuring Dean Dunham, the focus is on helping viewers understand their rights when faced with a parking ticket issued by private companies at locations such as retail parks and supermarkets. Here's a summarized breakdown of key insights shared in the video:
Understanding Private Parking Tickets
- Types of Tickets: When you receive a ticket in a private car park, it's often termed a "parking charge notice." This notice operates under civil law because it pertains to private property rather than criminal law, which governs local authority tickets.
- Contractual Obligations: Parking on private property typically involves a contract. This contract may dictate specific rules, such as parking within designated lines or leaving within a certain timeframe. Failing to adhere to these rules could result in a breach of contract, thus justifying the issuance of the ticket.
Steps to Take When You Get a Ticket
- Check the Signs: First and foremost, verify that clear, visible signage exists within the car park, outlining the parking rules. Signs should be legible and strategically placed to inform drivers effectively.
- Review the Ticket Details: Next, confirm if the ticket cites an actual breach of the established rules. For instance, check if you're accused of parking over the lines or overstaying your allotted time when you didn't.
- Company Membership Verification: Crucially, determine if the parking company is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA). Membership implies they follow specific regulatory standards. If they are not a member, they may lack the legal grounds to pursue you for the charge effectively.
- Appeal Process: If you find legitimate grounds for contesting the ticket, flip it over to see the appeal instructions. The process should be detailed clearly on the ticket.
- Follow Up: If your appeal is denied, further steps will usually be outlined on the parking company’s website.
Conclusion
The video serves as a practical guide for anyone who finds themselves in a dispute regarding a parking charge on private property. By understanding the underlying civil law aspects and closely examining the circumstances around the ticket, drivers can better navigate their rights and potentially dispute unfair charges.
If you've ever had a parking dispute or faced a ticket that you believed was unjust, share your experience! What steps did you take, and what was the outcome? Your insights could be valuable to others facing similar situations.