(Image: SARA CALDECOTT)
OH, how I agree with the Reverend Toddy Hoare! “Parking time trap” (HAS, September 23).
I was at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton in August for an appointment.
I have been there several times over the last few years but this was the first time since Parkingeye had taken over the system.
I realised that I had to pay on leaving so parked, found where I had to go, came back out after 40 minutes and paid what was asked, £2.50.
Three days later I received a letter showing pictures of my car entering and leaving the car park and saying that as I had failed to get the “valid permit/authorisation” I owed them £70 (reduced to £42 if I paid within two weeks).
I appealed to them straight away, sending proof of payment from my bank, but a week later got a letter saying my appeal had failed.
I have scrutinised the letters but nowhere do they say which of their terms and conditions I have contravened.
I am waiting to hear from them to explain what I have done wrong before appealing through POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals).
All this has to be done by post as there is no option to speak to a real person.
In the meantime I have become more and more annoyed by the attitude of this company.
I assume that they claim this is an easy system for patients.
It would be easier if the Evology screen we have to negotiate could be seen more clearly.
It takes time to follow the instructions when using it for the first time and is more stressful for people who are already anxious due to whatever reason they have for visiting the hospital.
There is pressure to get it done quickly, made worse when there is a queue.
I have huge sympathy for those in that situation, especially if they are my age or older.
I wonder if the profits for this company come more from fines than actual charges.