A motorist has claimed he is fighting a “David and Goliath” battle against a private parking enforcement company – and vowed to take his struggle to court.
Nigel Bowker was fined after exceeding the four-hour limit at the Beach Boulevard retail centre’s car park earlier this year.
But the businessman, from Banchory, argues he did not spot any signs warning him he would be fined – and that he had delayed his departure due to “torrential rain”.
He has since criticised the management of the car park by Capita subsidiary ParkingEye as “a means of trapping and intimidating people” and said the appeals process on fines is “laughable”.
Mr Bowker’s £135 fine has now been transferred to a debt management company who have threatened court action if he does not pay up.
He said: “This was my first experience of the industry. What they do is take over policing of a car park.
“They then place signs advising that certain restrictions are in place.
“These signs are deemed to create a contractual relationship between the driver and the Capita subsidiary.
“Like many people I didn’t see the signs, mainly because there wasn’t one visible at the entrance and within the car park I was understandably rather busy trying to drive and park safely.
“As preparation for my likely day in court, I would be interested in finding out how many other innocent people have been entrapped in this way.”
Mr Bowker has hit out at the “grubby little industry” and likened himself to Biblical giant-slayer David.
He said: “I am determined not to give in to the continuing intimidation and hence am likely to be taken to court.
“A real life David and Goliath situation. I draw comfort from the fact the Philistine was floored.”
A spokeswoman for ParkingEye said: “We operate an industry-leading audited appeals process as detailed on the parking charge notice and encourage individuals to appeal if they feel there are extenuating circumstances. In this case the motorists’ appeal was rejected as he overstayed by two hours without reasonable cause.
“As the car park is in Scotland, motorists are unable to utilise the Independent Appeals Service (POPLA) which is currently only available in England and Wales.”