Drivers are resorting to hiding their number plates to evade Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras used by private parking companies. The cameras, installed at supermarkets, retail parks, and fast food restaurants, track how long vehicles stay in car parks and provide evidence if drivers exceed paid time limits.
Private parking companies have no legal power to issue fines; only police and councils can do that. They cannot use the word 'penalty', but some make their charges resemble official Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs). Private firms often label theirs as Parking Charge Notices, also abbreviated to PCN, and may use similar yellow packaging to official notices.
Solicitor Martin Lee explains that these charges are not backed by law but are invoices for breaching terms and conditions. Under contract law, companies should only claim for actual losses, but many demand large sums that increase if unpaid quickly.
At a KFC in Sutton, Civil Enforcement Ltd prohibits parking when the restaurant is closed, but the signage is inside the car park, making it impossible to know before entering. At a McDonald's in Enfield, MET Parking Services Ltd issued a charge for overstaying, but the driver had visited twice that day; the company used photos in the wrong order to claim she stayed the entire time.
Civil Enforcement Ltd defended its practices, stating its role is to manage car park flow and deter abuse. It noted clear signage at the Sutton site and that its system allows motorists to leave without charge. KFC said it is aware of the out-of-hours issue and has contacted Civil Enforcement.
