Car Park Fine - Worth Contesting?

[nomdegrrr1]

I've recieved a letter from Horizon charging me £70 for over staying at a Tesco car park. And that would be fair enough if I had been there between 8.03 and 14.26 but I was actually there between 8.08 and 8.24 and then 13.59 and 14.26 according to Google maps. I went back because I had forgotten something and Tesco is my happy place.

If I pay it now, it will cost £35. Is it worth contesting?

I would.

I'm sure they hold that time period of a lesser fine whilst you contest it.

Hi,

If you go to the Pepipoo website, register (but don't use a Hotmail address as it doesn't like it for some reason) and pose your question there.

Ignore the silly name, it's a genuine website for motorists.

They have history of helping people in your position.

They also have templates etc. for contesting car park charges.

I assume you haven't spoken to Tesco?

Yes - because you did nothing wrong!

Do you have any proof you were somewhere else? Did you buy anything else in another shop during the day with your card? Can your workplace etc state where you were? Do you have google map history? Did you take any photos with your phone that show where you were? Is you car on your or your neighbours ring doorbell? Do you have both Tesco receipts to show you shopped there twice?
It’s worth contesting. ANPR cameras are notoriously shit - they aren’t allowed in council car parks because they don’t work. Appeal it with any evidence that you have and talk to Tesco about getting it cancelled.

I'd appeal that one. It's not as much the Wild West as it used to be, they have to abide by a 'don't be such shits' code of practice, so if you have reasonable evidence, which you seem to do, then go for it. Did you pay by card so can prove the two separate transactions?

I got out of one where I received the letter, but it was DP who was out in my car, so keyed in his registration plate instead. We filled in the appeal and just explained the mistake and the fine was cancelled with no hassle.

I had almost exactly the same a few weeks back. I contested it and they cancelled it very quickly.

It seems if someone is too close to you on your way out then the camera doesn'y always get your number plate. Give them the rough times when you entered and left the car park and they should be able to see you entering twice.

Easiest way to resolve it will be to go and talk to customer services at Tesco. Our local Morrisons does this all the time. If you contact the parking company they will ignore you but the store manager can usually get it sorted quickly.

Thank you for all your help. I really appreciated it.

Do you have any receipts or bank transactions to show separate visits?

I agree with the comments of others. I would certainly contest it and back up with receipts if you have them, or sections from bank statements. Redact all other details though.

I would also suggest you phone Tesco and complain. Although they may not operate the car park they may have some clout (especially if you threaten to shop elsewhere in future). I once received an incorrect charge from a hospital car park, I phoned the hospital admin people and explained the position and they got the parking company to waive it.

Yes explain and show them any evidence d you have eg google maps, dash cam etc

I once overstayed at a car park unfortunately I was shopping and came face to face with my childhood abuser, I had a huge panic attack and wanted to wait before I left. I texted a friend during that time and also rang the gp and sent those texts. They were lovely and wrote back removed the fine and saying that they hoped I was ok.