Vehicle Control Services ordered by to £803 for unreasonable conduct
At Contestor Legal Services, we’re proud to share a story of resilience, accountability, and justice. Yesterday, we secured a landmark victory for our client, Mrs. Paulina Doyle, at the County Court in South Shields. This case wasn’t just about parking charges it was about challenging an unfair system and standing up for what’s right.
Mrs. Doyle’s vehicle was parked in a public area outside the boundaries of Melbourne House Overflow Car Park in Newcastle (NE12JQ). Despite this, she received 8 parking charges from Vehicle Control Services (VCS). Astonishingly, her vehicle wasn’t even parked in their car park. When Mrs. Doyle appealed, both VCS and the Independent Appeals Service (IAS) dismissed her case, raising serious concerns about the fairness and independence of the appeals process.
Taking a Stand
Refusing to be intimidated, Mrs. Doyle decided to fight back. She defended her case by submitting a strong defence, two witness statements , and sought legal representation. At the first hearing, the claimant’s representative claimed they hadn’t received key documents, leading to an adjournment. However, yesterday, we turned the tide in her favour.
The Turning Point
During the hearing, we demonstrated to the court that the vehicle was parked outside the car park boundaries, as clearly shown on the provided map. This alone should have been enough to dismiss the claim. We also highlighted that the particulars of the claim were defective and contained false information. While the court didn’t rule on this point, the claimant’s representative conceded the first argument, and we urged the court to dismiss the claim.
The Outcome
The court ruled in our favour, stating that VCS had acted unreasonably. They were ordered to pay over £800 in costs. This victory isn’t just for Mrs. Doyle it’s a win for anyone who has ever felt powerless against unjust parking practices.
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. Mrs. Doyle is now preparing to issue further claims against Vehicle Control Services Ltd for:
1. Misusing her personal data – by pursuing her for charges when her vehicle wasn’t even parked in their car park.
2. Harassment – for the relentless and unjustified pursuit of these charges.
3. Tort of abuse of process – for their unreasonable conduct and concession made during the court proceedings.
Why This Matters
This case is a powerful reminder that individuals have the right to challenge unfair systems and demand accountability. It also sheds light on the questionable independence of parking appeals services and the conduct of some parking companies. If you’ve faced similar issues, don’t give up. With determination and the right support, justice can prevail.
Let’s Talk
Have you ever dealt with unfair parking charges or felt let down by the appeals process? Share your experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear your stories. If you’re facing a similar battle, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can work toward a fairer, more just system.