A retired RAF officer has told of his ‘battle’ with a private parking firm after he was charged following his payment of a fine.

Julian Andrews, 69, from Abbotsbury, stopped off at the Weymouth Lower Town Car Park near to Brewers Quay in Weymouth back in July. The car park is operated by Parkingeye.

Retired Royal Air Force officer Mr Andrews said he pulled up in the car park, realised he didn't have any cash or cards and drove off.

He was in the car park for 12 minutes, and was sent a letter which told him to pay a £60 fine, which would become £100 if it was not paid within 14 days.

Mr Andrews said: “I received the fine, which I objected to as I was only there for 12 minutes - I had no card or cash on me, but I paid nonetheless and they cashed my cheque on August 1.”

Mr Andrews then received a reply to say that there was no payment on the fine, and he would have to send proof to Parkingeye of this, including a copy of the cheque he arranged from the bank. 

The Weymouth Lower Town car parkThe Weymouth Lower Town car park (Image: Google Maps) He was then sent a letter, saying the total fee now due was £125. 

Mr Andrews said he was left feeling worried and frustrated by the situation. 

“At this point, the money is immaterial, it has been a worry and has left me very, very, frustrated because Parkingeye won’t engage with me - it’s like they’re ignoring me, but they were still happy to cash my cheque."

Then in late September, he received a second letter saying the charge has been put on hold and the payment he had made couldn't be located and Parkingeye required 'additional evidence' that the fine had been paid. 

Julian Andrews, 69, visited the car park from AbbotsburyJulian Andrews, 69, visited the car park from Abbotsbury (Image: Julian Andrews) Mr Andrews replied to the second letter to say that he had already paid the fine.

Following the Echo's intervention, a Parkingeye spokesperson said Mr Andrews' payment had been received. 

A Parkingeye spokesperson said: “The car park at Old Town West in Weymouth is monitored by ANPR camera systems and has 17 prominent and highly-visible signs that give motorists clear guidance on how to use the car park responsibly.  

“Motorists are advised that tariffs apply 24/7 and that they have the option to pay at the machine on site or via the Evology Pay app.   

“The motorist parked in the car park for 12 minutes without paying, which led to a parking charge being issued.  

“Following a review of the case, the motorist’s cheque has now been allocated to the case, and our systems show that payment has now been received.”