Parking Fine

[littlesally]

Hi,
I received a parking fine letter from Highcliffe Limited stating I had ignored their previous notification of a parking fine.
I hadn't received one.
When I enquired about proof I was told that the photo proof with date and time had already been sent to me and could not be sent again. The next time i could see it would be if i went to court.
The only time I have used this car park is for my work.
I am a homeless outreach worker and we sometimes are notified of rough sleepers in this car park. I have been there several times and not found anyone. This would entail being in there for a few minutes.
Around three years ago we did find people there so completed paper work, which would have taken under half an hour. It didn't cross my mind to buy a parking ticket.
I did appeal, outlining my job and reasons for being there. Plus the fact that the car park has always been empty of cars so I would not have prevented anyone else parking.
My appeal was rejected.
Since then they have threatened me with court action. One of the letters was from the court asking for my side. I again explained I had not received any proof I was there and the only reason I would have (as above).

Yesterday I received a court date which will be by 'teams'.
To be honest I am surprised that I am being taken to court, considering my reason for being there.
I have only been there between 4am and 8am at the longest half an hour, there are no shops open so its obvious I'm not shopping.
I sent my work badge as proof of my job.

They have advised me to send anything for my defence to the court and also the claimant but not given the claimants address.
I can only reiterate my reasons and send a photo of my badge. Is there anything else I need? How do I find out where to send my defence?
What should I do next?
Bit lost

[dslippy]

Sorry, but while your reason for being there might raise sympathy, it cannot be a good reason for not paying a parking fee.

[des8]

You have admitted being the driver and being there.
The only defence left to you would be that at that time of night the signage was unlit and you did not see it.

Anything else would be mitigation, but doesn't exempt you from paying.
If you are an outreach worker won't your employers pay your expenses?

[littlesally]

Thanks guys ~ most annoying is that the owners of the car park were the people who asked us to go there.
They couldn't help because it had gone beyond that point by the time I knew about it.

Frustrating that so many car parks use these companies as we go in them so often. The streets near are usually double yellows so pretty much between a rock and a hard place.

Anyway, came home to this today so someone somewhere had a heart. Happy day

[des8]

Thank you for the update and well done.

[tesla6518]

I am quite surprised you had not involved your employers legal department (presume you work for local government) from the moment you were made aware. If the owners of the property requested you attend the car park, then the onus was on them to deal with the parking company. well done on the result and this is for information only.