Couple who stopped in car park ‘for 15 SECONDS’ threatened with bankruptcy, a bad credit score and debt collectors

'APPALLING'

But after seeking legal advice, she refused to pay the initial fee - claiming the firm was just trying to “create extra revenue” in an “appalling” way.

Ms Gundry told the newspaper: “We were barely off the road for 15 seconds so we were not blocking the car park entrance.

“They are using it as an opportunity to create extra revenue, rather than control parking.

“Their approach has been appalling, saying this may affect you in all sorts of horrendous ways.

Their approach has been appalling, saying this may affect you in all sorts of horrendous ways

Paula Gundry

“They are just producing these letters to try to terrify the public. I found it really unpleasant.”

Letters from solicitors and credit companies, acting on behalf of NPE, suggested a “doorstep collection agent” could be sent.

The couple were then threatened with court action and a letter claimed it could affect their ability to get credit.

Another message suggested they could be declared bankrupt, have possessions sold at auction and even a court order taken out against their wages.

'DECLARED BANKRUPT'

However, the couple have not heard any further correspondence from NPS since April.

The letters the couple received stated the firm was following the International Park Community’s code of practice.

They quoted a 2015 Supreme Court case called Parking Eve vs Beavis.

The case heard parking firms could charge people who break parking terms but the charge must not be “extravagant or unconscionable”.

A new law to bring in a stricter regulation of the private parking industry is set to be brought in.