A driver fined at the University of Suffolk questions unclear parking signs despite paying for a ticket.
He understood that staff needed permits. He thought the signs indicated only staff and students needed to display them. Broughton didn’t realize others couldn’t park there, as he was taking his grandkids to a college event.
Suffolk New College’s main lot was full. Ipserv, a separate entity from the university, sent Broughton a letter about parking rules. The letter indicated he parked at 11:19 a.m. on January 29th.
He purchased a £2 ticket at 11:23 a.m., valid until 11:59 p.m. Ipserv’s letter stated that he left the car park at 12:29 p.m. They charged him because he lacked a permit.
Broughton paid the £60 ticket while questioning the unclear signs. He received a fine notice from Ipserv that required payment within 28 days, or the fee would increase.
He noticed signs regarding permit holders and, seeing a ticket machine, paid, believing he had followed instructions. The signs, in his view, didn’t explicitly state it was exclusively for permit holders or that general college visitors couldn’t park there.
A college employee confirmed the car park’s occasional use for events. Ipserv said they understood his frustration but explained the car park requires permits, and paying did not override this requirement.
Ipserv claims signs clearly state permit rules and that drivers must park correctly. He used the payment machine near these signs, which they say outlined parking rules.
Broughton spoke with customer service, who explained the appeal process. Ipserv reviews appeals on a case-by-case basis, considering all relevant evidence.