I was hit with £100 fine after parking at KFC due to ‘unreasonable’ rule
A DRIVER was left fuming after he was slapped with a £100 parking fine at KFC.
Stephen Horsman claimed he knew nothing about the “unreasonable” rule and believes it’s “entrapment.”
The Retired IT manager visited the fast food chain on Morpeth Road, Ashington for lunch with a friend and stayed for just over an hour.
Both Stephen, from Newbiggin, and his pal were handed hefty £100 parking charge notices 10 days later claiming there is a one hour limit for KFC’s car park.
Stephen said: “We both drove to KFC and parked up, went in, we both had our main meal, were nattering for about an hour and a half, and then left.
“We were totally unaware that there was any limitation on the car park. It is there to catch people out and issue them with a notice.”
There is minimal signage in the car park informing drivers of the short period they’re permitted to stay and Stephen claims he won’t be paying the fine.
The 67-year-old said: “I am quite happy for them to take me to court if they feel like I owe them £100 because as you come into the car park there are no visible notices telling you what the terms and conditions are.”
Stephen believes a one hour time limit is “unreasonable” and he hopes KFC will look into changing it.
He said: “It is in the middle of nowhere. It is not as if somebody would park in KFC and then wander off.
“I just feel that there is an element of entrapment about it.”
He added: “These car parks should have a barrier, which issues a ticket. At that point I think you have got a contract with them that explains what the terms and conditions are.”
Stephen is now “reluctant” to return to the fast food chain as he fears he might be given another fine.
He said: “I think they should improve their signage and there should be something in the car park or on the outside of the restaurant that advises people what the terms are for parking there.”
Stephen only got an “AI response” when attempting to contact KFC on social media.
The Sun has approached KFC for comment.
When can I appeal a parking ticket?
A fine may be deemed unfair by the council or an independent adjudicator if:
- Signs were wrong – If the signs weren’t visible or gave the wrong information
- The traffic warden got it wrong – for example if a parking attendant thinks you stayed too long when you were in fact within the time limit
- An error on the letter or ticket- if they’ve left out any information on the ‘Notice to Owner’ letter, then you could get it waived
- You didn’t own the vehicle at the time – you’ll have to prove this, such as information you provided to the DVLA
- Your car was stolen – if a thief parked the car illegally then you can get it waived
- There was no way to pay – if a parking meter or machine was broken and there was no other way to pay
- Your car broke down – if you were given a ticket while waiting for your car to be fixed or towed away
- You couldn’t get back to your car – you should appeal your ticket if you couldn’t get back to your car because it’s difficult for you to walk because you’re disabled, you’re pregnant or you have a very young baby