A MAN from Gwynedd has called for “common sense to prevail” after he was fined for accidentally registering his parking fee at a Bangor shopping centre with another vehicle he owned.

David Scott, from Dinorwig, he parked at Menai Shopping Centre’s multi-storey car park, for which Excel Parking Services are responsible, just before 1pm on November 1, 2022.

He said he paid the £2.20 parking fee digitally, but mistakenly used the number plate for his other car, rather than the one he had driven to the car park. The car was left there until roughly 3.15pm.

David was then issued with a parking charge notice on November 29, issuing him with a £100 fine, or £60 if paid within two weeks.

He has since lost an appeal against the parking fine, and fears he may now have to pay even more than £100.

David said: “If I had not paid for parking I would pay up, but I did pay for parking.

“I have appealed and the appeal has been dismissed, as technically I have broken the terms of the arrangement.

“I have asked all along for common sense to prevail and been met with a brick wall of legalese.

“A couple of points that I have raised are: why wasn't a refund issued for the wrong vehicle being charged? And what happens to all those charges made in error?

“I strongly feel that I have not done anything wrong other than make an honest mistake, hurrying in the pouring rain with my children running off for cover.

“I can’t afford a fine at present, and am determined to go all the way to court if needed.”

READ MORE:

Bangor man guilty of criminal damage and drunk and disorderly

RNLI and Bangor University work to reduce tidal cut-off incidents

Arrests made after four-floor cannabis factory found in Bangor

In a letter, shown to the Chronicle, Excel refused David’s appeal on the basis that it is the motorist’s responsibility to check that all details are correct before leaving their vehicle parked.

Should David wish to issue a further challenge, he must now make it to the Independent Appeals Services.

Excel added that the signs at the car park make it clear that the land is private property and that a charge of £100 will be levied if vehicles park outside of the terms and conditions displayed.

David added: “If it (the car park) is licensed/allowed as a service, then I would argue strongly that it is not acting as a service by issuing huge fines to regular customers under these circumstances.

“Why is it OK for large, faceless corporations to act in this way? I am able to fight this, but what about those who are less able?

“At no point was I trying to defraud the company. I paid for parking; it was just an honest mistake.

“It’s shameful, the way that they’re behaving.”

Attempts were made to contact Excel for comment.