Car Park Closed With My Car Inside

[Willi638]

I have just been Christmas shopping in the centre of Liverpool. The shops are open very late, however when I got back to the car park (at 6pm) I discovered that it closed at 5:30pm.

Does anyone know my rights as to how much I am going to be charged tomorrow? Can they charge me at full rate for the 22 hours my car will have been there?

[jackthehat]

Were there any notices advising you what time the car-park shut?

[Willi638]

Yes, unfortunately. I found the notice after I was 'locked out'. They have one way in for cars and one way out for pedestrians, the notice was on the car entrance and easily missable, however it was there.

[rockyracoon]

What did the signs say about closing, if it's clear that they close at 5.30 then you will probably have to pay up. Bit of a ridiculous time to close though, especially in a city centre.

[jackthehat]

Sorry, in that case, unless they are feeling merciful because of the time of year, I believe that you'll be having to pay the full rate. :o(

[Willi638]

Yes, the signs stated they close at 5:30. Thanks for your help, I will let you know how I get on.

[cathfromsaron]

easily done on these dark nights!

expect biggish bill, but not as much as towing or clamping!

[gingejbee]

...and you may like to suggest a sign at the pedestrian-exit, where people are more likely to read it.

[andy-hughes]

Be very very nice to them - you need their co-operation!

[joggerjayne]

What is the charge if you've "lost your ticket"??

[askyourgran]

I agree with andy-hughes. Be nice, send apologetic letter, you are a stranger in the area, and explain that the closing time was not prominently displayed when leaving the car-park to do your shopping. A lot of car parks are open later for Christmas shoppers.

[Maydup]

Its possible that if the car park closes at 5.30pm, the charges finish at that time too?

What time does it open in the morning? Hopefully you can get there as they open up and explain to a human being (with a smile and an apology) who will just let you out.

[Willi638]

I hope your right and its just a full days charges, I will take your advice and just be very very nice. There are no tickets, the guy takes your bay number and the time you park. Also, there is no barrier, it is an indoor car park and has shutters, I wish it did have barriers as I had already returned once and put shopping and my door keys in the car.

I really appreciate everyone's advice, I will post tomorrow on what I was charged. I didn't see a sign as to how much a full days parking is, but fingers crossed.

[ummmm]

Same happened to us. We braced ourself for a massive bill and I think it cost £6.50. They stopped charging when the car park is closed, and start charging again when it opens the next day.

Hope it's the same for you...

It did cost us over £40 in taxi's though :-/

[Maydup]

What happened Willie?

Did you get the car out and how much did it cost?

[Maydup]

We'll never know will we?