I (as keeper) have unfortunately received another parking ticket. I must say this one feels predatory and designed to lure unwitting people into their trap.
Background: The driver was passing by this Sainsbury's (Locksbottom), their child demanding to be bought a pack of Smarties. They parked in this Sainsbury's, went inside, did not find what was needed and hence made no purchase, and then left.
During this time they did not look out for any signs. They have two big Sainsbury's within 5-10 minutes of their house and been to dozens of others, parking has always been free at the big ones so they genuinely had no expectation a Sainsbury's would demand a parking ticket. A month or so later, the keeper receives this Notice to Keeper mentioning the 'Discount period' has passed so they better pay up £85.
Now I, as keeper, probably should have made an official complaint at this point, unfortunately life got in the way and I forgot about this one thinking I will fight them, and today I have received a debt collection letter.
The debt collection letter laughably states that this is my 4th letter, this is absolute nonsense. This is my 2nd letter and their math does not math either looking at the timeline :
Contravention date 23/03/2025
First letter: 24/04/2025 (received 29/04/2025)
Second letter: 28/05/2025 (received 05/06/2025).
Even if the very first letter was dispatched within the week, 28 days (inclusive of discount period) would most definitely take it beyond 24/04/2025 which is when they actually issued the letter. Before anyone asks, the driver did not see any ticket on the car so this was not an on the spot ticket. All attachments below, plus I as the keeper went to the car park to take a picture of the sign of the signage. Appreciate the help from this board as always.


