An Angus businessman has accused a national parking company of “bullying tactics,” after being taken to court over an unpaid parking fine.
Alex Smith, who co-owns Inchcape Marine Services in Arbroath and is operations manager for the local lifeboat, contacted The Courier to express his “disgust” at Vinci Park, which operates Ninewells Hospital car parking.
The business owner claims to have been unfairly ticketed in the hospital car park, after attending with his wife for an appointment.
As he refused to pay up, Vinci has passed the case on to a debt collector who is now threatening legal action if the fine is not settled.
Mr Smith said he was “outraged” when he received the latest demand and has vowed to fight the firm all the way.
“We arrived at the hospital in order to attend the eye clinic for an urgent appointment on my behalf,” he said. “My wife was driving and on leaving level six there was a free parking bay one of two on the outside of the parking area.
“There were no barriers restricting access to the bay with one vehicle already parked in the first space and my wife reversed into the other empty parking bay.
“There were no signs to say the parking spaces were out of use and there were two cones at the grass verge, beside the other parked car.
“I purchased a ticket which was displayed and was valid for the length of our appointment and subsequently no offence has taken place.”
Mr Smith said Vinci had accused him of removing a barrier to park in an unauthorised area, however he disputes the allegation.
The fine issued on February 1 had been set at £62, however due to his stand against the levy, that could balloon by a further £170.
Mr Smith’s case was passed from Vinci, to Roxburghe debt collectors and then to Graham White Solicitors who are assessing the case.
He believes the language used in their standard correspondence was worded to intimidate people into paying up.
In a notice of intended legal action to Mr Smith, the firm stated, “The costs associated with issuing a Small Claims Summons for the balance as stated are £39, plus interest at the rate of 8% annually, along with any expenses awarded by the court.
“In addition to this, scale costs are set at £131.61, making the outstanding amount increase by a minimum of £170.
“In the event of a decree being obtained and registered by the Registers of Scotland your chances of obtaining credit in the future would seriously be affected, as this information can be made available to any interested parties and remains there for five years.”