What do you think I should do about this

[DoloresKeane]

AIBU? DH and I went out for a meal a couple of weeks ago. We got into town after 6 and parked in an underground car park. I used to work nearby and parking was free after 6 as the place was locked up at 10 pm.
He went to check the machine and the rate of charges only went up to 6pm. We presumed that there was no charge after 6. This seemed to make sense to me.
Today I received a fine of £100, discounted to £60 if we make the payment within a fortnight.
Aaaaaarghhh.......
He must have misread the notice. What can I do? Will I have to pay this £60? Can I offer a fiver?
What do you think I should do?

Go and check the rules yourself now, if the machine that Your DH looked at still had the other rates, it may be that the company is trying it on. Take a picture and send it back.

They can’t up the price if you open a dispute until it has been closed.

If it genuinely has been a error of misreading the notice, you should pay the £60 really. I know it sucks but it’s not really worth the hassle of being chased down for money for ages.

Tbh it sounds like your mistake and you will need to pay. You could always go back and check the wording, and possibly contest it if there is no clear sign stating the penalties. Otherwise i would pay, i think there has been bavk and forward debates of how enforceable private fines are but I'm not sure how straightforward it is.

Is it for not buying the ticket or something else like parking outside the lines?

Thanks guys. We didn't buy a ticket.
In fact we were the only car in there. We were there for just under 2 hours.
I'll check the opening times at the weekend.