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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to appeal a private car park fine for leaving site?

113 replies

Rosesandthorns66 · 11/08/2026 05:13

Has anyone got any advice regarding a parking fine I have received in a private car park.

I didn't over stay but instead of going to the shops first, I went to the bank to check my balance at their ATM.
The fine says they've got a 20 minute recording in which period I did not return.
Also, it says reason for issuing fine is: as its a patrons only carpark.
To be honest, I didn't realise that, I only looked at the time that was allowed for parking which is 3 hours.
When I returned, I did go to the farmfoods to do a small shop.
Has anyone got any advice if I have grounds on which to appeal this.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I suppose I am in the wrong and unfortunately its an expensive mistake which I won't be repeating again.

OP posts:
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redbullsurvivor · 11/08/2026 06:24

I’ve appealed similar and said I needed to head that direction to a mental health issue / sickness etc. I also denied being off for longer than a few minutes. They rejected it but I kept my side and just followed the procedure. They dropped it before it went to court.

I’ve been to court several times over tickets for numerous different reasons. Only one ever actually went to court as they usually dropped it, but I won that. There’s lots of Facebook groups with advice and MSE forum is also helpful.

Original poster
Rosesandthorns66 · 11/08/2026 06:22

McSpoot · 11/08/2026 06:08

That's why getting the specific wording of the sign is important - if it just says, "patrons only" and you can prove that you were a patron you'd have a much better chance than if it says, "no leaving" (even if you can prove that you were a patron).

Them being able to show that you were gone for a more than a few minutes (i.e., just enough to hit the ATM) may also count against you, but worth a try.

Show quote history

Thankyou.

OP posts:
McSpoot · 11/08/2026 06:08

Rosesandthorns66 · 11/08/2026 06:04

On the fine letter, it shows pictures of me heading out of the car park.
Do I still stand a chance with the appeal?

Show quote history

That's why getting the specific wording of the sign is important - if it just says, "patrons only" and you can prove that you were a patron you'd have a much better chance than if it says, "no leaving" (even if you can prove that you were a patron).

Them being able to show that you were gone for a more than a few minutes (i.e., just enough to hit the ATM) may also count against you, but worth a try.

Original poster
Rosesandthorns66 · 11/08/2026 06:04

nomas · 11/08/2026 05:53

Did you pay for the Farm Foods purchase by card? If yes, I would print a copy of the bank statement and cross out your bank account number and send that as proof that you were a patron.

I assume you don’t have a receipt? If you go to Farmfoods and tell them the date and time of purchase, they may be able to re-print the receipt or confirm in writing that you were a patron.

Don’t give up, always appeal! I have always appealed and reversed many charges.

On the fine letter, it shows pictures of me heading out of the car park.
Do I still stand a chance with the appeal?

OP posts:
Original poster
Rosesandthorns66 · 11/08/2026 06:01

nomas · 11/08/2026 05:53

Did you pay for the Farm Foods purchase by card? If yes, I would print a copy of the bank statement and cross out your bank account number and send that as proof that you were a patron.

I assume you don’t have a receipt? If you go to Farmfoods and tell them the date and time of purchase, they may be able to re-print the receipt or confirm in writing that you were a patron.

Don’t give up, always appeal! I have always appealed and reversed many charges.

Thankyou for your response.
I bought milk, will check today, if I paid cash or by card.
I normally pay by card for bigger shop. I did try and look in my shopping bag, for the required receipt. I will look in the car, today.

OP posts:
Sudagame · 11/08/2026 05:59

Often the shop themselves are very helpful if you go in and speak to a manager. There's a similar set up near me and the manager just gets them written off if you can show you shopped there .

DiggoryVenn · 11/08/2026 05:58

My DS got 6 fines in Lidl for similar and in 5 of the cases a proof of purchase (bank statement) let him off.

Original poster
Rosesandthorns66 · 11/08/2026 05:56

Thankyou for the replies.
ViaRia01@ I will be going today, and I will take a picture of the signs to read carefully.
Your reply is appreciated.

I am a single parent and especially with the cost of living, £60 is a lot. Unfortunately if there's nothing I can do I will obviously pay it.

In the future, I'd rather walk then park there again. The problem is even the on the side roads they be full of cars, so it gets difficult to find parking space.
But like I said I won't take any chances next time.

OP posts:
nomas · 11/08/2026 05:54

Madmoomoo · 11/08/2026 05:35

In this instance I would just pay the fine and chalk it up to experience. I have successfully contested a private parking fine before but the circumstances were very different. The process took 18 months but quite honestly the stress involved and court appearance weren’t really worth it.

I really don’t get why people on MN are so defeatist.

This doesn’t need a court appearance.

nomas · 11/08/2026 05:53

Did you pay for the Farm Foods purchase by card? If yes, I would print a copy of the bank statement and cross out your bank account number and send that as proof that you were a patron.

I assume you don’t have a receipt? If you go to Farmfoods and tell them the date and time of purchase, they may be able to re-print the receipt or confirm in writing that you were a patron.

Don’t give up, always appeal! I have always appealed and reversed many charges.

Madmoomoo · 11/08/2026 05:35

In this instance I would just pay the fine and chalk it up to experience. I have successfully contested a private parking fine before but the circumstances were very different. The process took 18 months but quite honestly the stress involved and court appearance weren’t really worth it.

ViaRia01 · 11/08/2026 05:31

I think your best option is to go back and take a photo of the signage as reference and then carefully read it to understand whether or not you have broken the rule. If it says along the lines that car cannot be left then it will be difficult to appeal but if it is not that explicit, if it just says for patrons only then you could send them your receipt or bank statement from farm foods to show that you did indeed shop there.

Focussingonme · 11/08/2026 05:23

You don't, these are becoming more common with the high street dying off and more industrial style shopping coming in. There is one near me where people get caught all the time, you are expected to take your car with you if you want I go elsewhere. So sorry.