Car park fine

[HappyFrappy]

Around 2 weeks ago, we parked at Sainsbury's. We were there for just under 2 hours (the limit for free parking).
There were traffic lights further up the road and perhaps something was wrong with them, because it was over an hour between us returning to our car and being able to exit the car park. It then took nearly a further hour for the usually 15 mins journey home - we were very unimpressed.
But I've just had a parking fine delivered. This was not my fault - I could not physically leave the car park as there was no way I could move. I had moved my car out of the spot I'd parked in before the 2 hours were up.

If I appeal and lose, I can't pay the reduced amount. If I pay today, it's less expensive than if I appeal and lose. I don't dispute that I overstayed, but I do take issue with being given a fine because I was stuck in a queue at the relevant deadline that I could not have foreseen (the traffic was nowhere near that bad when I arrived). Anyone know what's best here? Are they likely to cancel the fine on appeal?

Speak to Sainsburys, they should be aware that there was an issue exiting the car park.They may be able to get it quashed or at least provide you with evidence to back up you being stuck so you can appeal

Appeal, you can't be the only one it happened to and parking fines are automatic, not reviewed by a person. But, they will only cancel the ones that make contact!

Assuming it's a private car fine, and not one issued by the council. I'd throw it in the bin .

Yes, you can appeal etc etc. But probably not worth your time.

Yes speak to Sainsbury’s and they will cancel it for you. They will be aware of the issues with the traffic lights that day.

Also remember this is not a ‘fine’. Don’t legitimise it by callling it that. It’s merely an invoice (albeit dressed up to look like a fine to scare you.)

I appealed a parking fine issued to my grandmother. It doesn't take long to be fair. You will easily win this OP

I would point you to a very helpful resource to help with this, as there was a very similar thread yesterday. But it was so exhausting trying to argue with people who kept saying my advice was 'terrible' i really don't have the energy to be helpful today. You could read the other thread though i suppose. Good luck!