Meteor Parking Fines - grrrr

[rocket74]

I parked at a meteor car park (BRighton Station) a few weeks ago.
The ticket office was closed so I used the phone method of paying for parking.
I had forgot my phone so used my mums.
I entered my number and the hours required costing £4.20.
They then sent a text asking for my registration. Which I replied to. So a series of messages/texts did happen between myself and the company.

Now have received a penalty notice for £50!!

Checked and the money left my account 2 days later.

Despite sending them this proof they are still maintaining I have to pay.
I totally refuse of course and will not pay them a penny as I followed the system and the payment was made - why are they being such arses??

What do I do next?

I'm pretty sure private firms issuing parking fines can be safely ignored, as it is upon them to prove you parking in that space cost them the amount they 'fine' you.

Have a look on MartinsMoneyWebsite re these fines. I think the advice is to ignore any letters if it's a private parking firm.

I did think you were an alien though. I giggled when I saw meteor parking instead of meter parking.

Is it on private land rather than the public highway? If so, you can safely ignore. The parking enforcement company have no authority to fine you - only police / parking wardens can do that. If parked on private land, you haven't broken any law. Legislation only covers public roads.

You could be sued for trespass but this is unlikely if it's a car park in which the public are invited to park.

The only other case against you would be for breach of contract i.e. you agreed to park there and pay the charge and therefore agreed to the terms and conditions of doing so. However, the most that could be recovered from you is the loss suffered by the car park owner, in other words any parking fee you owe.

I just had one for £150 threatening all kinds of CCJs and bailiffs. It's in the bin!