Dear Sir,
I visited Costa Coffee with a friend, whom I had not seen for some time, and we parked in the car park next to the premises. We had a good old catch up, had lunch, several coffees and ended up staying for 2½ hours.
A few days later I received a £100.00 parking charge notice through the post from Civil Enforcement Ltd for overstaying my free 90 minutes parking – if paid in 14 days it would be reduced to £60.00. I went back to Costa and spoke to the staff. They confirmed that the car park did belong to them but was “monitored” by a private company.
They also confirmed that the premises had CCTV inside and therefore I felt that this would easily prove that we had been inside the entire time we were parked. They said that lots of customers had been in complaining that they had also been fined.
When I revisited the car park the parking signs were in place and quite visible, however none of us had noticed them. In fairness, I admit, we were probably too busy chatting. There was also a huge floor to ceiling sign inside Costa advising that you need to register your vehicle if staying for over 90 minutes, but this had certainly not been there on our visit.
I appealed the fine stating that we were inside Costa Coffee the entire time and CCTV could prove this. However, this week I received a letter to say my appeal was unsuccessful.
I also contacted Costa’s head office to complain and was basically told they would not interfere on my behalf.
Yes, hands up, we should have noticed the signs, although clearly we are not alone in this. I just think Newton Aycliffe residents should be warned that if they stay too long without following the procedure they most certainly will be fined.
I am absolutely disgusted by this and that will certainly be my first and last visit to Costa.
Name & address supplied
