Drivers have been warned about a controversial five-minute payment rule at private car parks which could lead to thousands of motorists being hit with hefty fines.
Motorists who fail to pay for their parking within five minutes of entering private car parks are being hit with penalties, even when payment machines are faulty or apps are unresponsive.
Now experts are urging drivers to carefully read terms and conditions when using private car parks to avoid unexpected fines.
The warning comes as thousands of motorists could potentially demand compensation following recent high-profile cases challenging these restrictive payment windows.
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Drivers have been urged to check the terms and conditions on private car parks ahead of parking
GETTY
Private car parks often use automatic number plate recognition cameras to track vehicles the moment they enter, starting the countdown before drivers even find a parking space, experts explained.
But many motorists have found themselves unable to meet the strict five-minute deadline due to technical issues with payment systems. The automated systems have left drivers frustrated as they face fines despite genuine attempts to pay for their parking.
LeaseLoco CEO John Wilmot said: “Many drivers are unaware that some private car parks can insist on payment within such a tight time window as five minutes.”
The issue was recently highlighted by a motorist who received multiple fines from Excel Parking in Derby after failing to pay within the five-minute window.
The driver faced fines totalling £1,906 but refused to pay, choosing instead to challenge the penalties in court. Excel Parking ultimately backed down and waived the charges following publicity surrounding the case.
But the case did raise the possibility that thousands of drivers who have previously paid similar fines could now seek compensation.
Despite concerns over the fairness of these rules, LeaseLoco advised drivers to either avoid car parks with five-minute restrictions or ensure they can comply with the payment deadline.
“We believe these five-minute windows are grossly unfair but until there is legislation to remove them our advice to drivers is either to avoid or to comply if you possibly can,” said Wilmot.
LeaseLoco is now calling for greater Government clarity on the legal position surrounding private car parking restrictions.
“In many cases the terms and conditions these private operators bury in the small print on their information boards amounts to highway robbery,” a spokesperson for the company added.
However, the company did emphasise that drivers need to be particularly vigilant when using private car parks to help avoid unnecessary charges.
Their advice remains clear, “thoroughly check all terms and conditions before parking, or risk falling foul of strict payment deadlines”.
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ANPR cameras begin to charge drivers for private parking the second they enter the car park
PA
For drivers who have already paid fines related to five-minute payment windows, LeaseLoco suggested that they may want to review their cases in light of recent developments to see if they could be eligible for refunds.