An Essex haulier that stood up to a parking firm threatening to take it to court for non-payment of a parking charge has urged other companies to persevere and not back down.
KBC Logistics refused to pay the initial £60 parking charge notice (PCN) issued by UK Car Park Management (CPM) while its 44-tonne truck was making a legitimate delivery on the Southall Business Park in Middlesex.
Its refusal prompted a flurry of letters from CPM’s lawyers as the disputed amount – plus legal fees - steadily grew, but KBC held its nerve and the parking firm has now backed down.
Dave Ashford, KBC Logistics transport director, said: “These companies are out of order, preying on hauliers delivering to an industrial estate.
“Seriously? Isn’t that what we are supposed to be doing?”
As a court date loomed, the haulier received a letter saying it could settle out of court for £180, but it declined and a week later CPM wrote stating a “notice of discontinuance” had now been filed with the court.
Ashford said: “Persevere, if you think you have a good case then go the distance.
“Clearly there is a risk and if you lose the costs are higher, although a judge will sometimes reduce the claimant’s amount if he doesn’t feel it’s reasonable.
“This fear of costs increasing is what causes most to shut up and cough up and that is what these people rely upon.
“They use solicitors to send out scary letters and last minute offers to settle
“Additionally, it is time consuming.”
He added: “This sort of harassment should be criminalised and the industrial estate owners must be equally culpable.
“Was it worth it to save £60? Hell yes!”
KBC’s victory comes as communities secretary Robert Jenrick announced proposals to tackle unfair private parking tickets.
He said a new Parking Code of Practice and Framework will challenge the methods used by rogue firms and “restore common sense” to the way parking fines are issued.
Jenrick said the measures “will put a stop once and for all to rogue parking firms using aggressive tactics and handing out unfair parking tickets with no right to appeal.
“Our proposals will restore common sense to the way parking fines are issued, while cracking down on the worst offenders who put other people in danger and hinder our emergency services from carrying out their duties.”
Nicholas Lyes, RAC head of roads policy, said: “Research from the RAC suggests trust in private parking companies is at rock bottom, so there is little doubt about the need for reform.”
CPM did not respond.
