Help re: Parking Ticket

[lrm]

This evening I parked in my usual private car park to go to the gym/cinema etc. I parked in a bay with the works TAXI painted on the floor.  I (and many other cars) have used these spaces on numerous occasions over the last 2 years since joining the gym.  After returning and paying my parking fee, how annoyed was I to see that I had been issued with a �30/�60 parking picket! I discussed this with security and they stated that because this was a designated Taxi space (which is never used by taxis) I was parked in an unauthorized area.  I have been parking in this car park for over two years, have parked in this space on numerous occasions in the past and never received a ticket.  Although I am clearly aware that this space has Taxi marked on it, I was not aware that I would be fined for parking there and there is certainly no warning signs to confirm this.  The Parking attendant confirmed that 'they were waiting for these to be printed!'  Please advise me if it is worth challenging this parking fine out of sheer principle - I would not have parked there if they had displayed signs stating the consequences (I have also taken pictures to prove the lack of signs!) - Your help would be very much appreciated. Regards Lee.

[kazza12345]

is this a private security firm who have fined you?

To be honest i would just pay the 30 quid, and be thankful they havent clamped you and charged you four times that to have the clamp removed

I dont really think you have a leg to stand on as past immunity wont count for anything - they may not have had any operatives see you before

[Cheekyteddy]

i think you should just refuse to pay it, stating that, although the floor had TAXI marked on it, there was nothing to say that parking there was an offence or a breach of the parking rules.  if they go for you in court you have a perfect defence - that the company did not make it clear that parking on  a zone marked taxi would attract a ticket.  Tske as few pictures around the area NOW to prove that there is no such sign, then again after the signs are in place and you have an open and shut case.

[kempie]

Although a parking restricted bay should also be signposted it is surely beneficial to everyone if drivers were to follow the guidelines on How Not to get a Parking Ticket which includes "Do not park in parking spaces reserved for specific users".

http://www.motorhoming.com/need_may_2005.htm

[Grunty]

I can only think of one reason that anyone would paint the word Taxi on a parking space.  Because the letters would be too small if they painted "This space is intended for the use of taxis.  If you park your car here, taxis will be unable to use it.  To encourage the use of your common sense, a �30 penalty is available".

[Skellen]

No its not worth challenging it, you are in the wrong, Taxi ranks dont need to have signs put up as there are bloody huge letters on the floor, same as bus stops etc

 

you got away with it for 2 years, stop your whining and pay it

[landie]

So, if you've done it for two years, how much do you reckon you really owe?

[spammylou]

The problem is that not enough people do challenge these things and this is why these firms get away with it. Legally they are not within their rights as they have not covered themselves on the display boards.  You can take them to court/challenge it if you want, but I would seek legal advice via RAC/AA if you have it. Good luck.