Parking Operator Withdraws £1,906 Claim Following ‘Rip-Off Charge’ Description

Excel Parking, a car park operator, has withdrawn a £1,906 court claim it filed against a woman who exceeded the five-minute window for parking payment. Rosey Hudson was one of many individuals facing legal action from Excel Parking because of its policy requiring payment within five minutes, a rule that has resulted in drivers receiving Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) for failing to comply. The claim against Miss Hudson was subsequently dropped after the case garnered public attention and an MP characterized the PCNs as a “five-minute rip-off charge.” The BBC reached out to Excel Parking for an explanation regarding the withdrawal of the case but received no reply. Miss Hudson, a 31-year-old resident of Leicestershire, expressed feeling “so relieved.” She stated, “I’ve basically won without having to go to court, which is incredible, and I feel like I’ve had a weight lifted off my shoulders.” She added, “I won’t have that anxiety of thinking I don’t want to pick the post up this morning because I’m worried it’s another PCN fine or another debt collector letter.” Nevertheless, Miss Hudson indicated her desire to “continue fighting for other people that are going through the same thing.” Since the BBC’s coverage of Miss Hudson’s situation, the broadcaster has received communications from many other individuals who have faced threats of legal action for identical reasons. Among these individuals was Garry Kay, who had parked at the Copeland Street car park in Derby, the same location as Miss Hudson. Excel Parking sought £255 from Mr Kay, but he learned that his case had been discontinued shortly before his scheduled court appearance to defend himself. Mr Kay had been issued a single PCN by Excel Parking, whereas Miss Hudson had received 10. She paid the initial notice but chose to dispute the car park operator’s claims upon receiving additional notices via mail. Excel Parking has not provided an explanation to either Mr Kay or Miss Hudson regarding the discontinuation of their respective cases. Miss Hudson urged others to contest their PCNs, mirroring her and Mr Kay’s actions. She stated, “Even if you receive letters that are warning you of debt recovery and taking you to court, I would still persevere.” She further advised, “I would recommend getting legal advice and persevering. Don’t give in to the car parking bullies.” DCB Legal, the firm representing Excel Parking, has made a £60 donation to the Teenage Cancer Trust, as requested by Miss Hudson, in place of the first PCN she had paid. Additionally, Miss Hudson made a donation in exchange for pro bono legal counsel she received from a solicitor who reached out to her after the case gained public attention. She conveyed the significant personal importance of the charity to her. She remarked, “I lost my dad to cancer a couple of years ago and that was unbearable, but to know that a younger generation are going through such horrible diseases, I can’t imagine.” Despite Miss Hudson’s success in her case, she noted that it had generated considerable stress for her over the preceding 21 months. She commented, “I struggle daily with getting anxious and worried about things.” She continued, “This heightened it, so this made me feel 10 times worse. It’s that dread of waking up in the morning and seeing another letter.” She concluded, “It’s not nice having that hang over you, I wouldn’t wish it on anybody and I certainly hope that the rules change so that this doesn’t happen again.” Ultimately, Miss Hudson desires the “banishment” of the five-minute payment rule and for private car park operators to adhere to more stringent regulations. She also hopes to arrange a meeting with Catherine Atkinson, the Derby North Labour MP who brought the issue to the attention of the House of Commons. In the interim, however, Miss Hudson believes she can now resume her normal life. She stated, “I can use that money towards a deposit for a house I’m looking at buying with my partner.” She added, “We’re getting married in February next year, so I feel like that money will go towards our future.” For further updates, follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.