Unfortunately, this discussion is no longer valid
Posted 30 April 2007

Civil Enforcement Ltd. - Parking charge

Does anyone know anything about Civil Enforcement Ltd. (CEL)? I parked in an aldi car park 7 weeks ago, it was 2 hours free parking. Got back to car just before time ran out and baby needing feeding, so sat in car and fed her for approx. 10 mins. Assumed ok as never got ticket/saw warden etc.

Then nearly 7 weeks later I get a penalty charge notice form CEL, stating the time I entered car park and time left (8 mins over the 2 hours!) and a charge for £30 if I pay within 14 days, £60 if over! Didn't know they could do this - I am assuming they have cameras? Can't contact CEL as tel no. is automated for payment only and it costs £17.50 to see photographic proof. So looks like I have to pay. Just all seems a bit dodgy, but thinking I will have to pay as letter threatens debt collection agency etc.
Anyone else had this?!? Never had a parking ticket before and am furious!!
Community Updates
New Comment

22 Comments

sorted by

Sorry, commenting is no longer available on this discussion.

  1. hyperemisis's avatar
    Author
    Well all, Have paid the £30 fine as didn't want it doubling or have debt collectors at the door. Then wrote to a polite letter explaining circumstances to Aldi and they didn't even bother replying. Not sure I can be bothered to contact local paper - do you think they would be interested ?
  2. 1duck's avatar
    oh come on what they going to do? its aldis fake traffic wardens.
  3. Titchimp's avatar
    Yeah Aldi use a camera system thats why you wouldnt have seen a warden
  4. deleted4577's avatar
    [COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]A friend was caught up like this a while ago. Strangely, they withdrew the penalty notice when he apologised in writing. Although there is no guarantee for this to work, you still have a chance of success on compassionate grounds as you were feeding the baby.[/FONT][/COLOR]
  5. W._.M's avatar
    Yes try writing a polite letter explaining what happened. Also state that you were only 8 minutes over. Try saying that in the competitive area of supermarket shopping (I'm assuming that's what Aldi is) you are surprised that they treat their customers in this way.
  6. cis_groupie's avatar
    You could always argue that the sign said "2 hours free parking", and that was how long you actually parked for. The other 8 minutes were spent finding an empty slot & then vacating the car park.

    (Although the 'feeding the baby' would probably yield better results in your case).
  7. vikingaero's avatar
    Who is the registered owner of the car?
  8. deleted27229's avatar
    I would also write to Aldi customer relations - not great for them to have someone so heavy handed running their car parks.
  9. Gaz's avatar
    cis_groupie

    You could always argue that the sign said "2 hours free parking", and … You could always argue that the sign said "2 hours free parking", and that was how long you actually parked for. The other 8 minutes were spent finding an empty slot & then vacating the car park.


    At which point they could easily look at their camera and see that you were lying.

    No, writing a letter of apology and explanation is the best option.
  10. deleted8460's avatar
    I was done in another supermarket car park. Asked for proof (free). They have a camera on entrance and exit. It takes a shot of your reg plate with the time of entry and exit. I could not argue with the proof.

    I would take your receipt to the shop and ask to speak to the manager and explain what happened. They can get it taken off (it worked for me). If that does not work, write to Aldi head office with copy of receipt and copy to the parking company. You tke the gamble of an increased charge but hopefully they will be reasonable
  11. deleted6930's avatar
    Aquatic

    I would also write to Aldi customer relations - not great for them to … I would also write to Aldi customer relations - not great for them to have someone so heavy handed running their car parks.


    Take it to The Sun! "Mum Charged £60 For Feeding Baby"
  12. shanecr's avatar
    BristolDeal

    Take it to The Sun! "Mum Charged £60 For Feeding Baby"



    lol, now thats what i would do, cept it be 'Dad charged £60 for feeding baby' :-D
  13. deleted7460's avatar
    shanecr

    lol, now thats what i would do, cept it be 'Dad charged £60 for feeding … lol, now thats what i would do, cept it be 'Dad charged £60 for feeding baby' :-D



    Pity it's not breastfeeding! Then you could say "Dad charges £60 for feeding baby"
  14. hyperemisis's avatar
    Author
    Hi all - thanks for some good pointers. Have done some digging on CEL - and it seems they don't have the best reputation. Apparently they do have cameras at the entrance and exit of car parks and if u go over they PAY the DVLA for your details! I think that is disgusting, but it seems it is legal.

    Anyhow, as I didn't receive the charge until nearly seven weeks after the event I do not still have the receipt for my shopping (I know...), so I am going to pay up and then write to Aldi as a few of you have suggested and let them know I am disgruntled, won't be shopping there again and that I am going to write to my local echo to warn others. God, I must be getting old.

    Thanks again and will let you know if I get anywhere - which I doubt I will!
  15. deleted37014's avatar
    I would personally write to them and tell them that unless the charge is cancelled, you will write to your local MP and BBC Watchdog. They will be glad to help out IMO. If not, then they can look forward to some extremely bad publicity.
    I wouldn't even lower myself to apologising for 8 mins feeding the baby. It is your right, if the baby is hungry. In fact, i'd say it would be bordering on unlawful not to feed a hungry baby. I would guess that Aldi may even close the contract with the parking company if that is their tactic to obtain funds. They sound like cowboys.
  16. deleted8460's avatar
    What have you got to lose, go to Aldi first - see the manager
  17. deleted8460's avatar
    No probably not now, it's a while after the event. Papers don't normally get excited about parking problems. Sad but true IMO
  18. deleted278654's avatar
    Civil Enforcement Ltd are a scam.
    They have no right to charge for parking in Supermarket carparks or anywhere else.
    Just ignore all correspondence, even when it gets aggressive!
    Speak to a solicitor about this and they will explain that this company are a scam.
    The more people who get on the case the better.
    Write to DVLA and bug them as well.
    Good luck
    TerryO
  19. DJ1's avatar
    Who spends 2 hours in Aldi?
  20. deleted42052's avatar
    DJ1

    Who spends 2 hours in Aldi?



    poor people.
  21. deleted27024's avatar
    why bump an OLD thread ?
  22. deleted40965's avatar
    DJ1

    Who spends 2 hours in Aldi?



    funny yet will be the argument CEL will use also...........

    scratch that, WTF this thread is old................
    (edited)