Comments on: Don’t park at McDonalds Billingsgate for more than 60mins

By: Burak

Burak — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:58:14 +0000

Seems to be happening a lot lately. They were talking about it on Have I Got News For You and Lauen Laverne said she stopped in the McD's carpark for 90 minutes for a spot of breast feeding. Then someone pointed out that she hadn't mentioned a baby being involved and lots of hilarity ensued.

BTW, excellent work Ben.

By: MarkW

MarkW — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:19:31 +0000

Good stuff, Ben. I'm taking a copy of that!

By: Burak

Burak — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:58:14 +0000

BTW, excellent work Ben.

By: Burak

Burak — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:58:14 +0000

BTW, excellent work Ben.

By: MarkW

MarkW — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:19:31 +0000

Good stuff, Ben. I'm taking a copy of that!

By: Ben Smith

Ben Smith — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:29:25 +0000

From http://url.ie/mjv

Tickets issued by private companies

Private companies can issue tickets to drivers parked on their property, but the rules are not the same as local authorities.

If you receive a ticket in a private car park, such as a supermarket car park, or private multi-story car park, remember that it is not criminal law, but contract law that applies. The driver enters into a contract with the landowner when they driver into the car park.

This means that it is only the driver that can be subject to a ticket from a private company. If they do not know who the driver was, they cannot claim a penalty. They have no legal right to demand that you identify the driver.

If you are approached by a member of staff inside a private car park there is no obligation for you to assist them in any way

If the company wish to pursue a claim in the small claims court, they have to prove that you were the driver of the car. Any comments that you make may assist them in this aim, so best to say nothing.

If you refuse to pay, the private company has to pursue you through the small claims court. It is up to them to prove a breach of contract so look at the terms carefully. These are usually printed on a sign at the entrance to the car park.

Additionally, you may be able to reduce any fine issued by a private company. Under contract law, they can only claim for any loss they have suffered because of your offence. They may try to claim a penalty of, say,

By: smstextnews

smstextnews — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:49:14 +0000

You are absolutely right. It's just ridiculous!

By: DanLane

DanLane — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:47:00 +0000

Whaaaaat?! I'd write back telling them that I'm not paying. I'd also contact the office of the information commissioner and complain about the DVLA, did you know that the DVLA will hand out all your details to any unregulated privately held company who claims to have legitimate reason for knowing them?

By: Kip Hakes

Kip Hakes — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:22:21 +0000

Yeah – this is what MacDonalds up and down the land are doing – there was a piece in the paper a few weeks ago. I'm *sure* though that you could probably contest it, i'm not entirely sure these camera controlled parking ticket things are entirely lawful AFAIK.