Euro Car Parks

Overview

Euro Car Parks is a private car park management company founded in 1976 in the United Kingdom. The company provides parking management services to a variety of sectors, including retail, leisure, healthcare, education, and transportation. Euro Car Parks manages car parks across the UK and has grown to become one of the largest car park management companies in the country.

The company offers a range of parking solutions, including pay and display, permit parking, and pay-by-phone options. They also provide services such as car park design, construction, and maintenance. Euro Car Parks uses technology such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to monitor car park usage and enforce parking regulations. However, the company has faced criticism in the past for their aggressive enforcement tactics, including issuing fines to customers who may have unknowingly violated parking regulations.

Euro Car Parks is a member of the British Parking Association (BPA). The BPA is a trade association for the UK parking and traffic management industry, representing a wide range of organizations involved in parking operations, including car park operators, local authorities, and equipment suppliers. As a member of the BPA, Euro Car Parks must adhere to a code of practice that sets out the standards of professionalism and conduct expected from its members. This includes a commitment to fair and transparent enforcement practices, the provision of accurate information to customers, and the prompt handling of complaints and appeals.

Where they operate

Euro Car Parks operates primarily in the United Kingdom, where it manages car parks across the country. The company has over 1,500 car parks under management and works with a range of clients in various sectors, including retail, leisure, healthcare, education, and transportation. While Euro Car Parks is primarily focused on the UK market, they have also expanded their operations to other countries, such as Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands. However, the majority of their operations and services are still based in the UK.

Do they issue fines?

Euro Car Parks issues private tickets to drivers who park on their car parks and violate parking regulations. These tickets are typically issued through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras that monitor car park usage and capture the registration numbers of vehicles entering and leaving the car park.

When a driver parks on a Euro Car Parks car park and violates parking regulations, such as parking without a valid permit or exceeding the time limit, they may receive a private ticket. This ticket will usually be issued by post and will include a photograph of the vehicle and a description of the violation.

It is important to note that private tickets issued by Euro Car Parks are not fines, but rather a request for payment of a contractual charge for the breach of the terms and conditions of parking on their car park. Private tickets are not backed by law and are not the same as fines issued by the police or local authorities.

What should you do if you receive a ticket?

If you receive a private ticket from Euro Car Parks, there are several steps you can take:

  1. Check the ticket: Read the ticket carefully and ensure that the details are accurate. Check the date, time, and location of the alleged violation, and compare them with your own records. Also, check the terms and conditions of parking on the car park to ensure that you did not unknowingly violate any regulations.
  2. Gather evidence: If you believe that the ticket was issued incorrectly or unfairly, gather evidence to support your case. This could include photographs of the signage on the car park, receipts or tickets for payment, or any other documentation that supports your claim.
  3. Appeal the ticket: If you believe that the ticket was issued unfairly or incorrectly, you have the right to appeal the decision. Euro Car Parks is required to provide a clear and transparent appeals process. You can appeal the ticket online, by post, or by phone.
  4. Pay the ticket: If you decide to pay the ticket, make sure that you do so within the specified time frame to avoid additional charges or legal action. You can pay the ticket online or by phone.

It is important to note that private tickets issued by Euro Car Parks are not fines and are not backed by law. Instead they are based on contract law and they will allege you have breached that contract. However, if you ignore the ticket or fail to pay it within the specified time frame, Euro Car Parks may take legal action to recover the amount owed, and this could result in additional fees and charges. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider your options and take action promptly if you receive a private ticket from Euro Car Parks.

What happens if you ignore the ticket?

If a driver fails to pay a private ticket issued by Euro Car Parks within the specified time frame, the company may take legal action to recover the amount owed. This could involve taking the driver to court and seeking a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against them.

To take legal action, Euro Car Parks would need to follow a legal process that includes sending a Notice to Keeper (NTK) to the registered owner of the vehicle, followed by a Letter Before Claim (LBC), which outlines the amount owed and the reasons for the claim.

If the driver still refuses to pay, Euro Car Parks may then issue a Claim Form, which initiates legal proceedings. The driver will have the opportunity to respond to the claim and defend themselves in court. If the court finds in favor of Euro Car Parks, a CCJ may be issued against the driver (although this will only stay on your credit record if it remains unpaid).

It is important to note that legal action is usually a last resort for Euro Car Parks, and they will typically attempt to resolve the issue through other means, such as sending reminder letters or offering a settlement. Going to court costs them money, but it should be noted that they do do it to maintain the threat.

How can Parking Cowboys help?

If you’ve received a ticket

  1. Understand what private parking tickets are
  2. Find out about appeals, and in particular about the POPLA service
  3. Learn how to fight back with our essential guide

If you’ve received a court claim

  1. Understand how they can be legally enforced in county court
  2. Learn about County Court Judgements and the risk is to your credit file
  3. Consider using our legal service partner, JustAnswer. Click here to make a no-obligation enquiry

Best of luck – we’ll help you through this!