Man fined for taking too long on BP forecourt

Driver argues against £100 fine after waiting to use pre-paid car wash

Man fined for taking too long on BP forecourt
Image: Bigstock.

A man has been fined £100 for taking too long at a BP garage after queuing to use the car wash.

Gareth Hughes, who visited the BP garage in Croydon, south London, explained that he went to pay for his fuel and decided to pay to use BP’s car wash.

He said: “There were perhaps six cars in front of me waiting to use the wash.

“I certainly didn’t see any signs warning of the 30 minute limit,” he told The Guardian.

Payment demands

He later discovered that his wife, who’s car’s registered keeper, had been sent two letters by MET Parking Services, a private company contracted by BP, demanding payment for spending too long at the garage.

The first letter offered to reduce the charge to £60 if paid within 14 days, but as the date had elapsed, Gareth paid the fee in full, fearing that bailiffs may attend his home.

He added: “It’s designed to catch out people who don’t know it’s going on.

“How can it make sense to penalise people who spend £80 or more on your services?”

Penalising customers

Upon receipt of the penalty notice, Mr Clapperton contacted BP to point out that it was effectively punishing its customers for using its services, an argument which eventually saw him refunded.

A sign warning of a 30-minute rule can be seen at the Croydon branch, but could be easily missed.

A MET spokesman said: “The 30 minute maximum is clearly signposted throughout the site.

“We would encourage any motorist who believes they were issued with a charge notice incorrectly to appeal using our BPA audited appeals process.

“Motorists have the right to appeal to the independent appeals service, Popla, which is a free and easy to use service.”

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.