THE article published on July 3 regarding the parking scandal at hospitals was excellent.

However your article kept using the word fine! This helps to perpetuate the myth the private companies are issuing fines, as would the council or police.

They are parking charge notices, invoices that are not based on lawful fines.

You could assist people by explaining the difference. These companies are fooling a lot of people into paying the extortionate fees when in fact they can be appealed and cancelled.

On July 21 there is a case being heard in the Supreme Court, Parking Eye v Barry Beavis. This case is about the contracts that drivers supposedly enter into when they park on private land.

One man, Barry Beavis, has taken up the gauntlet on behalf of all motorists who have paid out extortionate amounts to private parking companies believing it is a fine.

They use threats and fear tactics, none of which are correct eg sending in bailiffs to recover their invoices. The only way this would happen is if it went to county court, the parking company won, and the individual refused to pay as directed by the judge!

This is the only way a CCJ could arise, yet they threaten this will happen too. Could you please do an article explaining the difference between actual fines and these invoices/notices?

Many elderly people and those living on the poverty line are fooled by these companies, I feel sure your readers rich and poor would appreciate clarification on this matter.

HAZEL PALLOT

Ashton in Makerfield