Hello. I'm hoping someone can talk me down from my extreme stress. Long story shortened is that my attempt at payment at a machine with no option for cash or card payment failed - I rang the number to pay, gave my credit card details and then received a text to send my reg number to confirm the session. The text didn't work and I sent it again, pocketed my phone and went on my walk. I then got a letter on my return home with £100 fine. I wrote to contest the fine (I believe an error) and later than the timeframe given as this was on holiday so I was away when it arrived). They rejected my challenge and sent another letter. I have buried my head in the sand about it and now had a solicitors letter saying pay £180 or go to court. I'm so stressed. DH is not helping. because it's my fine in my name. Only because I was the one sorting the parking. By the way it was a family day out this happened on, so not my personal error. I don't know what to do. I can pay it but it will leave me short of money for a few months. What will happen in court ? Should I just suck it up ? I know I've been stupid but I was sure that if I explained I'd tried to pay (and you had to give a valid card number before getting to the bit where they send a text ) that I'd be spared the fine. Argh. I'm so stressed about it.