3/4/09 - After another letter from them refusing my appeal because there was no proof the ticket that was face down was the one I purchased at the time, I telephoned the company as I had included a photocopy of the ticket with the original appeal letter. I was told the Appeals Manager, Mr Taylor, doesn't take phone calls - very open and transparent! - and I was also told that I could have got the ticket from someone else! So they're now calling me a liar! I am utterly disgusted with this company and their attitude!

After parking in the car park of Exeter CCI on Saturday 14 March 2009, I purchased a parking ticket valid from 13.05 to 19.05 and left it displayed, as instructed, on top of my dashboard. After my tutorial had finished, my husband brought my text books back to the car before we went for something to eat. It was a very windy day and, unfortunately, the ticket (very small and lightweight) must have blown over when he shut the door. We came back to a penalty notice! I accept that the ticket should be displayed with the details showing, but it was obviously an accident. The charge was £40 or £80 if not paid within one week. I sent a letter explaining what had happened together with a photocopy of the ticket I had purchased and, as I felt intimated by the threat of the higher charge, a cheque for £40 in case my appeal failed and I then had to pay £80. Guess what - my cheque was cashed and my appeal refused!

I was in the college car park, attending the college and when I left the car, the valid ticket was on display as required. I understand the issuing of the penalty notice, but it seems very harsh to refuse the appeal.

Having worked for local authorities, I know that many local government car park officials would have accepted the explanation and cancelled the parking fine - friends and colleagues have confirmed that when this has happened to them in council run car parks, their fine has been cancelled.

Who monitors these private enforcement companies? And what is their record on granting appeals - or do they always just refuse?!