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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business
Anna Tims

Any space to manoeuvre over parking fine disagreement?

Why was a charity asked to pay the penalty when a removal firm was given a parking ticket?
Why was a charity asked to pay the penalty when a removal firm was given a parking ticket? Photograph: Alamy

We are an occupational charity that provide grants for clients having a tough time who have worked in the pub trade. We agreed to provide such a grant for a client to cover the cost of a removal firm, but have just received a call from this firm to say it has incurred a parking ticket outside the property, which they want us to pay. Is that common practice? CJ, London

Look in the T&Cs and there, I am sorry to say, you are likely to find it’s the customer’s responsibility to organise parking permits or suspensions with the council prior to removal day, otherwise the penalty charge will pass to you. In my view, firms should flag this up when discussing a move with a customer in a restricted parking zone, but unfortunately most rely on you having an eagle eye when you peruse the small print.

If you need help email Anna Tims at your.problems@observer.co.uk or write to Your Problems, The Observer, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Include an address and phone number.

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