Parking Eye Directions questionnaire (Small Claims Track)

[msf199]

Hi all,

I have recently received a directions questionnaire from Northampton CCBC relating to a Parking Claim from Parking Eye Ltd..

I parked at a Hotel recently for an event. The Hotel staff confirmed that parking was free for guests of the event and I gave them my registration plate details accordingly. Clearly their processes need improvement as I received a Parking Eye fine which I appealed in a written letter addressed to Parking Eye HQ without a response or receipt from Parking Eye.

Fast forward, I received a county court notice which I submitted my defense for on the grounds that Parking Eye's clients (the Hotel group) has requested that the case be dropped and advised me that Parking Eye should be in contact within 3 weeks. Parking Eye has since requested for the case to go to Mediation. I am about to reject the mediation as I have written confirmation from the hotel that they have requested Parking Eye to drop the charges. I am unaware if the Hotel is the landowner, but they have confirmed verbally that they have contracted Parking Eye. The manager is shocked that it has gone this far, and they have ignored requests to cancel the charges.

1.) Should I reject the mediation and proceed to a court hearing. I believe I have sufficient support from the hotel management, who are trying to contact Parking Eye to discuss the case. It reflects badly on the hotel brand.
2.) Will there be a CCJ against my credit file if a judge rules in Parking Eye's favour?
3.) What options are there for a counter claim, or of of pocket expenses should judge rule in my favour?

Thanks in advance.

[charitynjw]

Hi & welcome to LB.

You really need to get a copy of the landowner/parking co contract to see whether ParkingEye can action this despite the hotel's attempt to intercede.

Counterclaim for what?

If the decision goes against you, you will have a window of a month in which to pay the Judgment Creditor (P/E) before the CCJ is recorded on the Trust Register.

[msf199]

Thanks for the quick response, you're a star!

• I will proceed to get the contract between the landowner (presumably the hotel) and the parking co.
• Counter claim probably the wrong terminology, looking to claim costs for our of pocket expenses for time spent defending the case, travel costs etc..
• Excellent, just wasn't sure how the CCJ works. Clearly I will pay if the judge rules in their favour so good to know there is time before a CCJ is filed.

Thanks again for your help.

[charitynjw]

Re costs

[msf199]

Hi CharityNJW.

Regarding the above.

I got a copy of the contract which clearly states that the parking for the event was free of charge.
I have my defence on this basis.
I have recently received a letter from the parking company offering to drop the case provided each parties bears it's own costs.
The court case is on the 7th November.

I have so far spent about 2-3 days plus petrol in defending this claim and have sufficient evidence to prove that the event was indeed free parking.

If I reject their offer (which is without prejudice, save as to costs) are they likely to drop the case anyway, or can I now proceed to court to claim fixed expenses?

Also, how much fixed expenses are reasonable at this stage based on my realistic estimations on cost of loss of earnings and fuel?

Many thanks for your help on this.

All the best