Parking Charge Issued by MET Parking Services for Overstaying a McDonalds Visit

[jk9125]

Hey there guys,

A week ago I had spent 121 minutes in a parking lot for the McDonalds in North Acton which apparently had a 90 minute max stay limit which I did not notice. Now I've received a parking charge from MET.
I was a paying customer at the McDonalds, however I've not kept the receipt (who does lol), so my bank statements the only proof.

Was wondering if anyone had similar experiences with MET Parking Services and could help me identify something that would allow me to appeal this.

Thanks in advance!

PS: I've attached the letter I received.

[jk9125]

Attachments

[des8]

Even if there ae grounds to appeal MET parking won't accept it.

Your best bet is to go back to McDonalds and ask the manager to have the charge cancelled.

Whilst there obtain photos of the signs (ensure even the small print is legible), check the signs at the entrance and see if signs were easily visible from where you parked.

Just had a look on Google Earth, and the sings seem high up and with small font, so check that as well

[jk9125]

Attachments

Thanks for the advice.

From what I've read up from others in similar situations, even escalating to the CEO of McDonalds UK has not worked in getting them to cancel the charge. It seemed they're very firm in separating the parking company they commission from themselves.

I've had a look on google maps the to be honest your right. the sign at the entrance was way too high for me to spot turning into it, in my small Citroen. And from where I parked there is no visible signage either.

So based on this what do you think I should do next, should I submit an appeal stating these things and ride this out to the bitter end even if it goes to court?

[des8]

McDonalds run franchises so it is always worth the effort to speak to the manger, who may be the owner

I can't advise you what to do.
All I can say is what my approach would be, given the limited information available.
If I thought I could convince a judge the signs were inadequate I would let it go to court, but I don't have to take into account losing a days work or holiday as I am well and truly retired.
You also need to consider the time taken to write a defence and a witness statement.
The height of the signs & their font size would also need to be measured, plus a location map showing their positions within the park.

It is possible that the signs are inadequate not just in size and legibility, but also content (so pictures of them with even the small print legible could be useful