Received a parking charge for staying too long at McDonalds, do I need to pay it?

[WhenTheDragonsCame]

Hi

I took my DC to get something to eat earlier this month so that my oldest could meet her Dad for the first time in 9 years. The plan was that we would have a quick lunch and then go shopping but we ended up staying in there longer than intended. We were there the full 2 hours and did not leave to go anywhere else, just lost track of time.

I have received a parking charge notice this morning that does clearly show my car and number plate with the time I arrived and the time I left. I do not dispute that I stayed longer than I should have. It is for £100, £50 is I pay within 14 days.

I googled and an article in the daily mail says that it is not legal and they can only get the money if it is awarded through a court. Lots of comments are saying to just ignore it. My worry is that if I ignore it now I could end up paying hundreds of pounds more later on.

Thank you.

[RNBrie]

They used to be more or less unenforcable but there was a recent court case where the judge upheld the parking company's charges Which Ruling Info

This is quite a useful guide - download the "how to dispute" letter and see if any of the points in it match your circumstances which would allow you to dispute it.

Money Saving Expert

[wowfudge]

Is it worth speaking to the manager of the McDonalds? I'm guessing the parking restriction is to stop people from using the car park when they are not even eating there. Could CCTV prove you were there the whole time?

[WhenTheDragonsCame]

I think I might speak to them. DD1s dad also got a ticket and he has paid it already.

It was my fault but it just feels like one more thing going wrong!

[witsender]

Sadly the law has changed and they probably will, and CAB pursue. Sucks though