Are parking tickets issued in supermarkets car park legal? should i pay it.?

(2011-03-17 14:25:19)

1. kenny Says: It depends entirely upon a 'loosely-termed' public access system. My local Morrisons car park is barriered (etc) and it's - strictly speaking - private ground. To gain access you must waive your rights to normal laws etc; but my local Asda has no such barriers and are therefore not preventing you from entering their property. You can then argue that you have public access - you simply parked to ask for directions, got lost and the found yuor car 8 hours later after asking their staff where you likely parked your car. They haven't got a leg to stand on - as they didn't make any attempt to prevent you from STRAYING onto their grounds.

Keep the argument going long enough and they will give up - unless you had to do SOMETHING to get onto the site.

2. Mick Says: I believe you're asking whether they're enforceable.

I can't say with certainty but I suspect they are not.

I saw something on tv (Watchdog possibly) which suggested that firms try to make parking notices look as "official" as possible.

I believe they indicated that if the notice states it is a Parking (as distinct from a Penalty) Charge Notice it could be safe to ignore it.

A few months later I received a Parking Charge Notice having overstayed my welcome at one of these car parks.

I ignored it and then a short time later received another notice which stated the amount would be doubled if I didn't pay promptly.

I ignored this and then received a letter threatening legal action if I didn't pay.

I ignored this too and months later have heard nothing more.

There's a chance I might still receive a demand but it looks as though they've given up.

I suppose it makes sense for them to threaten people, many of whom will be intimidated into paying, and accept that some people will not respond.

SJD