DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
FreeTrafficLegalAdvice
HTML https://ftla.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Private parking tickets
*****************************************************
#Post#: 119314--------------------------------------------------
Parking penalty at Aldi store - after store hours
DIR By: gettingbetter
Date: May 20, 2026, 9:07 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Hello,
I received a parking penalty at an Aldi store. The issue is that
I entered the car park after closing hours, and was looking for
a way to pay/avoid a parking charge. Unfortunately, the screens
to register number plates are located in store, so there was
method for me to register or pay for my stay.
Unlike other car parks, there was no indication that the car
park closes at a certain time, which leaves anyone entering the
car park automatically at fault.
Please see the letter below. And pictures from the site. I'd
appreciate your insight on whether this can be argued.
HTML https://ibb.co/KRfKpCB
HTML https://ibb.co/qGsYdSd
HTML https://ibb.co/whfXRMFP
HTML https://ibb.co/23dxN4fd
#Post#: 119319--------------------------------------------------
Re: Parking penalty at Aldi store - after store hours
DIR By: RichardW
Date: May 20, 2026, 9:31 am
---------------------------------------------------------
When did you receive it? It is dated over a month ago so you
may be too late to appeal - assuming that it has not recently
arrived. In which case options are pay or weather the storm of
'debt collector' letters and see if they take it to the small
claims court. Please show the back of the notice.
#Post#: 119323--------------------------------------------------
Re: Parking penalty at Aldi store - after store hours
DIR By: gettingbetter
Date: May 20, 2026, 10:43 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Hi RichardW, you are correct.
Unfortunately, it was sent to another registered driver on the
vehicle who has only recently notified me.
I will still attempt an appeal via the site and email as there's
no harm in trying I guess.
HTML https://ibb.co/hFWP36Ny
#Post#: 119324--------------------------------------------------
Re: Parking penalty at Aldi store - after store hours
DIR By: DWMB2
Date: May 20, 2026, 10:45 am
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: gettingbetter link ---
>
> and was looking for a way to pay/avoid a parking charge.
Unfortunately, the screens to register number plates are located
in store, so there was method for me to register or pay for my
stay.
>
--- End Quote ---
One of the immediate hurdles with this argument would likely be
the length of stay. You'd need to provide a credible explanation
as to why it took 22 minutes to park up, read the terms and
conditions on the signage, realise the store was closed and then
leave.
There's an argument to be made that no contractual offer is
communicated to those who are not Aldi customers. Also a
potential argument that the entrance signage was not prominent
depending on which way the vehicle entered (the strength of such
an argument would probably depend on the quality of the signage
as a whole).
--- Quote ---
> Unfortunately, it was sent to another registered driver on the
vehicle who has only recently notified me.
--- End Quote ---
Bear in mind that if the notice is addressed to someone else, it
is them who must respond. Either by appealing (if they can) or
by naming you as the driver.
#Post#: 119376--------------------------------------------------
Re: Parking penalty at Aldi store - after store hours
DIR By: ixxy
Date: May 21, 2026, 2:27 am
---------------------------------------------------------
If it's not addressed to you, you can't appeal it. The person
who received the PCN needs to appeal or name you as the driver
and transfer liability to you.
The signs are fairly clear the car park is for customer use
therefore as you can't be a customer if the store isn't open
you'd be breaching the terms. Not to mention the point about
needing to register. Many car parks have no way to 'pay' and you
get 5 minutes to get in, read the signs and leave, that's the
consideration period which given Aldi car parks aren't big and
was likely empty at that time of night should have been enough
time.
You haven't shown us the back of the PCN although I suspect it
is POFA compliant, it was given in the correct time frame and
I've noticed they've changed the wording g to invite the keeper
to pay.
Either way at this point not your problem unless the keeper
tells them you were driving, then the for appeals resets. In
that case you will need a stronger defence than I tried to payo
but couldnt. Looks like a building site on GSV so I suspect a
new store with lots of shiny new signage. You can even see the
signs warning new rules in place in your photos.
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1