UKC

Last week I briefly stayed in the electric mountain car park in llanberis three times. 

Once (12 mins) when picking a mate up who had legitimately paid to park his car their all day and then we went climbing on the slate. 

Again later that same day to deliver him back to his car, I spent 22 mins deciding what to do with the rest of my day. 

Then another time a day or so later on the way through to nip to the loo. 

Now for the first two I have now received a parking charge notice from initial parking for 60 quid, rising to 100 pound if not paid promptly. Likely I'll receive a third for the loo trip but I reckon I was only there 10/5 mins so perhaps not.

Now I definitely have stayed in this car park before for short period but looks like they now have anpr on the entrances and I obviously wasn't aware of this. And also I know if I was being a good boy should of paid for the short times I was there.

Has anyone ever had any history with disputing these? Technically didn't pay however the length of times I was there and the fact I never actually left the car. Along with the two different fines for the same day seems harsh. I.e I'd be financially better off if id just left my car the whole day unpaid as Id just have the one PCN and not two for two return trips. 

I am also aware of the differences between these and council fine, the later needing to be paid. Private companies don't it's more of an invoice and then they threaten with debt agencies and court hearings etc. All of which sounds like some un-needed faff.

Note to self, next time use another car park, probably any other car park in llanberis aha. 

That's a shame, sorry to hear that, but thanks for the heads up.

I often use that car park to leave one or more cars and then car share to the crag. The car being used for the car share driving in and then loading up from the other car(s). Never had a problem in the past, but will be very wary now.

Personally, I would dispute the first one and third one (if it arrives) as you were only in there for a very short period. Most car parks give 10 -15 minutes allowance to drive around, not find a space, and then leave. The second one might be a bit more difficult.

Good luck

CB.

I believe you get a 10 minutes "grace" period to decide whether you want to park - this is assuming that the operators (otherwise known as sharks) are members of the relevant association and follow their "rules".

Regardless, look on money saving expert for advice and there's another site (whose name I can't remember) that specialises in parking invoices and if they're ok, etc.

Best to avoid these places altogether. If you need a shit...do it Al-fresco, on their doorstep.

For those that care, an update.

Appealed -> rejected.

Now deciding on whether to just pay and move on with my life or have the continued faff and stress of ignoring debt collecting agencies threats on being taken to court. 

Sorry to hear what happened to you 

I have been there done that. In the past I have paid up just to get it behind me. I had a great feeling of relief as soon as I did that. Just my experience 

Might be worth trying these if the company is a BPA member

https://www.popla.co.uk/#:~:text=We%20are%20here%20to%20help,reviewed%20at%...

We really need a proper parking company ombudsman with an ability to fine (or, if especially egregious, remove an operating licence) from the cowboys and crooks.

In your situation, I would appeal one of the fines stating that you are only willing to pay once.

I think they will accept, as they can then get some money from you. They don't want to sue you.

Withhold paying one until they cancel the shorter fine.

I don't think you have a case for not paying one of them. Doesn't matter that you didn't leave the car, you parked and got caught. But paying two for the same day is unreasonable and I think there should be an agreement of a compromise here.

As for the third, cross that bridge when you get there.

I'd say dispute them, but don't hold out any hope. These companies (and indeed local authorities where they run the parking) are both judge and jury, and stand to financial benefit from fines. They know that you won't take them to court if you disagree. Reasonableness or otherwise doesn't really come into it!

But they might take him to court, and since there's potentially three fines it's more worth the risk.

Don't forget that local authority is a fine (penalty), private company is an invoice after deeming that you have entered a contract with the parking operator.

I'd suggest contacting the land owner and explaining the situation to them. They have the power to override the parking firm as it is their land and the parking firm work for them. 

Move on. You are in the wrong. (yes its harsh) I have had similar where I have contested further and its not worth the stress. Lifes too short. 

Lots of people in Llanberis reporting being stung by this. They seem to be ignoring all appeals from what I've heard.

Default position of private parking co companies is to reject the appeals. I've had a few of these and ignored them, only if I feel as though I'm on the right moral side. We're all different on these issues but personally I refuse to be mugged off so I've always stood my ground.  Never been taken to court and always left me alone after a few begging letters.

Only had Pembrokeshire Council come after me due to a failed app system their side. I decided to appeal that one as it wasn't a private company but a council and lost. I spoke on the phone with them and asked them to take me to court so I could have my day. The call handler asked me to make them an offer to which I offered the £5 I tried to pay on the day, they took it!

Whilst paying does remove the black cloud in the back of the mind, it does encourage the practice. No strong opinions on other peoples choices btw, we're all different.

Agree with this. 

I have a (somewhat valid) reputation amongst my family for collecting car parking tickets from various privately owned car parks around Manchester City Centre.
 

When I got the last one or two, I just paid them straight away (I was in the wrong) and moved on.

I used to try to contest them but eventually found that it just prolonged the stress and overall unhappiness caused by the situation.