News Beat
Blackburn driver takes on parking firm raking in ‘extortionate’ fines
Imran Khaliq regularly visits the Everlast gym at Haslingden Leisure Park, off Haslingden Road in Blackburn. On April 30, he had parked his car with the tyres just outside a parking bay.
He was handed a fine of £100, which would be lowered to £60 if paid within 14 days. The car park is managed by Preston-based ES Parking Enforcement Limited.
Imran said: “It happened to me last year and I just paid it.
“I know there must be other people who have gone through this.
“On this occasion, I thought this was grossly unfair.
“Okay, if someone is taking up two spaces in a car park or even parked in a disabled bay, you would deserve it. I put my hand up like anyone else and accept the fine.
“But this was just slightly outside, and I think the parking company are just making money out of unsuspecting people.”
Signage at the car park states that parking is only free for two hours and people must register their car numberplate inside the venues.
The sign also states, ‘Your vehicle must be parked wholly within the confines of a marked bay and not cause an obstruction.”
The car park rules also instruct people to register their number plate if they are staying more than two hours.
Imran decided to appeal and was told that he may end up having to pay £100 if he lost the appeal.received
In a letter from ES Parking Enforcement, he was told his appeal had been rejected. He was then told: “If you decide to use the Independent Appeals Service, the offer of a discount for early payment will be withdrawn and the full charge of £100 will apply if your appeal is rejected.’
He said: “I decided to go to an independent appeal and won the appeal.
“I think they were trying to put people off.
“I went to mediation but nobody from the company turned up nor did they attend court.”
A judgement at Burnley Crown Court dated 21 November ordered the claim to be dismissed.
ES Parking Enforcement was told to pay Imran £35 and witness expenses of £107.90 by November 25.
Imran said he had been waiting for the payment and confirmed he had now received it this week.
He said: “Nothing came through at first and then this week, after I e-mailed again, payment was made.
“I see it as a victory for common sense.
“I want people to challenge it and don’t just sit back.
“People find it daunting and just end up paying. Other people will see it and find if they put in an appeal to the Independent Appeals Service, they won’t get that reduced offer.
“I say put it into the Independent Appeal and go to court – fight it.
“Because they think that people won’t go to court.
“It is the principle of the matter. You keep getting it for simply going over a line.”
Imran said he also registered his number plate in the venue when visiting.
“Another one they are getting people on is the number plate registration. I register it just in case.
“I do everything and there are people who get these fines and do not challenging it.”
ES Parking Enforcement were approached for comment.
