I've recently had a letter off NCP solutions, about a time I parked in Starbucks, they're saying I was a non-patron. I've asked them to prove im a non-patron, as I doubt they can, as they only have a pic of my car. I was told they couldn't do that because of DP laws and GPDR. They then directed me to their appeals process, which I pointed out if I went this route then I was accepting liability, and agreeing to their contracted terms. I advised I wasn't doing any such thing, and until they provided evidence that neither I nor any party within my car weren't patrons, then I would consider the matter closed.
Im basically calling their bluff, as I had 2 kids with me, and we went to McDs literally next to it. I doubt they have video evidence of me not entering starbucks, and if they do, then provide it and I will pay the fine. However I doubt starbucks will share that information with them, or if they do then they'd likely charge them for the privilige. Im looking forward to a day in court if they want one, I enjoy a good discussion, and tbh I know they wont enforce it even for £100. It'll cost them £50 to take me to court, and more in solicitors fees to prosecute. So no point in them doing it over 1 single fine.
Read the small print of the companies sites, it tries to confuse people with jargon, and other stuff, but basically the letter you receive is a request to acknowledge acceptance of the fine. Even appealing acknowledges acceptance of the fine, and their T&Cs. Dont appeal, you wont win, as they are the people dealing with the appeal :S It's a screwed system, but you can fight it. Just remember 2 things, dont park in that car park again, as if you get mulitple fines from same company, then it does become worth their while to take action, and be careful they dont clamp you and use scare tactics.
NHS nurse ordered to pay £150,000 in fines to private firm for parking at hospital where she works