Grrr parking ticket

[neddyw]

At the end of August I drove into a local village car park that, as usual was full. As I sat pondering where to try next a car in a spot in front of me left. So I decided to park there. As it was dusk and the car park is poorly lit I did not see the markings around the bay. Long story short, it was not a parking space but a restricted area. I returned to the car a couple of hours later with two friends, both reliable, one's a bobby, the other a local magistrate. All three of us are adamant there was no parking ticket on the car.
I have now received a ticket through the post from the council advising the charge is £70 as I did not respond within 28days.
Do I have reasonable grounds to appeal? I have looked at the 'bay' where I parked. There is a very clear white line around the area. Within that area are some faint yellow hatching. On the outside of the area is some clear yellow hatching. There is no signage advising that it is a restricted area. I was not obstructing flow of traffic or pedestrian access or blocking anyone in.

Thanks in advance

[Graham-W]

Take photographs and contact the council with the circumstances before they pass it on to a debt collection agency.
The council will be more sympathetic than their agents.

[TWR]

You also have two good witnesses.

[joko]

its worth a try to request to pay the original fine rather than the highrer amount if you explain.

i explained that i never got a ticket - they know it happens as kids rip them off etc, so they agreed to go back to the original amount, which i paid as i was parked illegally - even though i didnt realise it.

i doubt they wil let you off entirely though - as its up to you to ensure you can park there.