UK Residents: Advice Needed

[direstraits]

Guys... during my parents' visit to Windsor Castle a couple of weeks ago, their car was clamped while parked at a proper parking space near the castle.

The reason for the clamp was apparently due to a mismatched parking ticket.

There were a couple of parking meter machines along either side of the road where they parked, and apparently the parking ticket that they bought was not valid for the side of the road the car was actually parked on. Being tourists they didn't know there was such a rule, and when they tried to explain the officer who clamped the car would not listen, and in fact was quite rude, saying things like, "Everyone's a tourist here", "There's no manager to talk to", etc etc.

The only way they could get out of it was a 120 pound fine - which is pretty damn close to a grand when converted to our money.

Now it's not their intention to break any rules, and it's not as though they didn't pay. But the fact that there wasn't an avenue for them to complain at that time is simply unacceptable (to me).

Is there a place for me to lodge a complain or appeal to the fine? Any place where I could look up for help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

ds

 

[Litany]

They need to contact whoever it was that issued the ticket and then go through their appeal procedure. I'm guessing it was a council traffic warden rather than a police officer, so they'd need to get in touch with Windsor council. Maybe have a look on the council's website and see if there's an email address, or if they still have the ticket there should be contact details on there.

 

[Ice]

Hi DS,

Windsor Castle is in the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Parking fines issued in this borough should be dealt with by the council - here is a link to the relevant page:

Parking - RBWM

Hope you get it sorted

 

[Shade]

However this page makes it clear that

the Council does not 'clamp' vehicles that are parked illegally or incorrectly.

It's almost certain to have been done by a private contractor who is under contract with the body that runs Windsor Castle. Try the Contact Us link on this page and they might be able to put you in touch with the clamping company.

Don't be too optimistic. Clampers are the scum of the earth and have their hearts and brains removed during the rigorous training process. Next time tell your parents to bring a hacksaw with them.

 

[Litany]

If they see an overseas address they might just insist it goes through court because they know that makes it more effort than it's worth.

 

[direstraits]

Litany, Ice, Shade, sorry I couldn't respond earlier. But thank you very very much for your responses - much appreciated.

I did go and check out the place, but as you said, Litany, they probably smelled blood when they saw them as tourists.

Damn... it still stings. 150 pounds! I keep thinking what *I* could have done with 150 freaking pounds...



ds