Woman locked in five-year parking row after refusing to pay £285 fine for using friend's space

A woman has been embroiled in a five-year parking row, claiming she is being harassed by the parking company.

Sarah Quinn, 35, refused to pay a £285 fine for leaving her car in a friend's parking space in June 2016 and has accused the car parking firm pursuing her for the money of a "campaign of harassment" after she was threatened with court action.

But the company has hit back at the mother-of-two, saying the fine had been issued correctly and Quinn had ignored all correspondence, prompting the court action.

Quinn said she had parked in her friend's space while visited her flat in Milnsbridge, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on 6 June 2016.

Unable to find the permit she should have displayed in the car, the women put a note in the car explaining the situation, but Quinn says she was given a ticket anyway.

Quinn said: "This dates back to 2016 and Vehicle Control Services of Tinsley, Sheffield, is fully aware that I was in the tenant's numbered space."

She claims she has been harassed over the fine, which has now risen to £285 and has seen her threatened with bailiffs and at risk of a negative credit rating.

But Vehicle Control Services Ltd has denied her accusations, saying: "A key term and condition for parking at the Commercial Mill private car park, required that a valid permit was clearly displayed in the windscreen of the vehicle and, by her own admission, Ms Quinn did not display a valid permit.

"Ms Quinn did not appeal the parking charge nor respond to any further reminders, (she ignored all correspondence), and, consequently, matters proceeded to court.

"In accordance with the relevant legal limitation period, we have up to six years in which to commence court proceedings.

"We refute the allegations made against our patrol officer.

"We are satisfied that the parking charge was issued correctly as there had been a clear breach of the terms and conditions of the car park which were clearly set out on prominent signs on site."