Drivers fight Ayr car park fines

Aug 14 2009 by Lisa Boyle

SEE you in court.

That’s the message from scores of drivers who are being told to stump up a small fortune for parking in an Ayr car park.

The Post reported last week that a Glasgow company had erected signs in the old MFI car park demanding people to pay a fee with their credit card.

Those who don’t notice the signs, don’t own a mobile phone or don’t feel comfortable giving out their card details, will be issued with a £150 ticket.

But dozens of Ayrshire Post readers have contacted us over the last week saying that they won’t be paying a penny.

South Ayrshire Council have confirmed that the company – Civil Enforcement Ltd – erected signs and CCTV cameras illegally.

They did not seek planning permission before they took over the car park which has been free for years.

Council chiefs have now ordered that the company apply for permission immediately.

Trading Standards are also investigating the matter and have received numerous complaints from outraged drivers.

And 82-year-old Edward Peatson is one of the drivers who is refusing to pay.

He said: “I have been parking there for 11 years and I’ve never had any problems.

“My car was there for two hours last Friday but there were no signs in the area I was parked.

“I noticed a sign on the back of the Babylon nightclub when I returned but it was very high up. You couldn’t read it and it was inconspicuous.”

Mr Peatson continued: “I’ve written to the address on the notice telling them I won’t be paying them the £150 they’ve requested. However, I will pay whatever sum I am ordered to pay by the court, where I’m sure they’ll invite me.”

Last Monday, signs and CCTV cameras appeared in the car park behind the old furniture shop in Ayr’s Main Street.

The signs read: “There is no need to display a ticket in your windscreen. Disabled badge holders are not exempt from these conditions. These terms and conditions apply all day every day.

“To deter abuse of this site, enforcement is carried out by Civil Enforcement Ltd. There is no free parking allowance. You must pay the hourly parking charge within 10 minutes of arriving otherwise you agree to pay £150 to Civil Enforcement Ltd (reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days).

“To settle this charge at a further reduced rate call 0115 822 5027 before leaving this site. Additional costs will be incurred if payment is not received within 28 days.”