Student Claims £500 Parking Fine Disrupted His Studies

A Northamptonshire man has spoken out about the significant stress and disruption caused by a £500 parking charge dispute, which he claims has affected his mental health and Open University studies.

The Parking Fine That Sparked a Battle

Dan Garrett, from Burton Latimer, received two parking charge notices from Excel Parking Ltd after visiting the Energie Fitness car park in Kettering in April and May 2024. He insists he followed the gym’s parking rules, which allow members four hours of free parking, rather than the standard 90-minute limit. However, he was issued fines totalling £516.88 for allegedly overstaying.

Excel Parking Ltd contends that Mr Garrett failed to provide evidence of his gym membership and did not appeal the charges before court action was taken.

Mental Health Impact and Disruption to Studies

Mr Garrett has described the long and stressful process of challenging the fine, stating it has taken a serious toll on his well-being.

"The process has stressed me out a lot and my mental health has suffered," he said. "Not to mention, it's damaged my Open University studies as I've been so drained by this."

Determined to fight the fine, he added:

"I'm not willing to give up and pay because I've been treated unfairly."

This situation has also led to a change in his routine, as he now avoids attending the gym due to the distress caused by the parking dispute.

"This ordeal has completely thrown me off," he explained.

Ongoing Concerns About Excel Parking Ltd

Mr Garrett is not the only motorist to raise concerns about Excel Parking Ltd. Other customers have reported similar issues, including a woman in Derby who was charged nearly £2,000 after taking more than five minutes to pay for parking.

These cases have led to increased scrutiny of private parking enforcement policies and whether they are fair and transparent for consumers.

Gym Confirms Mr Garrett’s Visit – But Excel Parking Stands Firm

After the BBC contacted Energie Fitness, the gym confirmed that Mr Garrett had signed in on at least one of the disputed days. However, Excel Parking Ltd maintains that his vehicle registration was not entered into the system correctly at the time of his visits.

A spokesperson for Excel Parking Services provided the following statement:

"A maximum stay of 90 minutes is permitted at the Tanners Gate Retail Park; an exception is made for gym customers when their vehicle registration is entered into a touchscreen terminal.

On the dates in question, Mr Garrett's vehicle was observed on site beyond the maximum period permitted without his vehicle registration having been entered into the terminal.

The terminal was in use throughout the day on both occasions. There was neither an increase in parking charge activity nor a decrease in the use of the terminal on the dates in question.

Mr Garrett failed to appeal either parking charge. The first contact he made was after the court claim had been issued.

To date, he has failed to provide any evidence of him being a member of the gym on site."

Legal Battle and Court Mediation

Mr Garrett attempted to resolve the dispute through mediation, where Excel Parking Ltd offered to reduce the fine by £100. However, he declined the offer, maintaining that the charges were unjustified.

A court date for the case has not yet been announced, but Mr Garrett remains determined to challenge the fine.

What This Means for Drivers

This case highlights the potential pitfalls of private parking enforcement and raises important questions about:

  • The transparency of parking systems in gym and retail car parks
  • The process for appealing unfair fines
  • The mental and financial toll of challenging private parking firms

Drivers are advised to carefully follow parking regulations and ensure they have clear evidence of any permissions granted—such as extended parking times for gym or business customers.

Final Thoughts

Mr Garrett’s ongoing dispute with Excel Parking Ltd underscores the need for clearer guidelines and stronger consumer protection in the private parking industry. As he awaits his court hearing, his case serves as a cautionary talefor other motorists who may find themselves in a similar situation.

If you’ve faced an unfair parking fine, it’s crucial to appeal as early as possible, gather supporting evidence, and seek legal advice if necessary.

Posted on 4 February 2025