Imagine this: a peaceful day at the park, a breath of fresh air, and a chance to unwind. But for many, this simple pleasure has turned into a stressful ordeal due to a parking fine 'scandal' that has been brewing for nearly two years.
A Park Visit Gone Wrong
KentOnline's investigation has shed light on the stressful side of visiting and parking at Kent County Council's (KCC) country parks. Despite having proof of payment, thousands of visitors have received penalty notices weeks after their visit, leaving them frustrated and confused.
The Keying Error Controversy
Last year, KentOnline revealed that 994 park users appealed their tickets, only to be told they had made a 'major keying error.' This error, defined by the British Parking Association (BPA) as entering more than one digit or number incorrectly, resulted in a £20 administration fee. Euro Car Parks (ECP), the company managing parking for KCC, made £19,800 from these alleged errors in just one year.
But here's where it gets controversial: many park users don't believe they're at fault. They've reported issues with sensitive keypads, blank screens, and machines that print tickets and take payments mid-entry. For these visitors, the experience creates a false sense of security, assuming they've paid correctly.
KCC's Response and Changes
After KentOnline's initial report over 18 months ago, KCC has finally taken action. They're trialing upgraded pay-and-display machines with larger screens to reduce keying errors. These machines have been tested at Pegwell Bay and Trosley Country Parks, and a solar-powered machine is on trial at White Horse Wood.
KCC is also working with ECP to minimize mis-keyed registrations. Their contract with ECP is up for review, and they're exploring all options. The council aims to improve the customer experience at their country parks, ensuring a fair approach to parking fines.
The Impact and Latest Findings
The latest Freedom of Information Act request reveals that from January 2025 to December 2025, £18,680 was collected from 934 people who paid the £20 admin fee for alleged keying errors. Lullingstone Country Park saw the highest number of these errors, with £5,240 collected from 262 people. Shorne Woods collected £4,620 from 231 users, and Trosley Country Park issued 684 tickets, with 80 people paying the admin fee, amounting to £1,600.
Overall, 9,189 tickets were issued in the one-year period, with 15% paid at the major keying error rate. One in four appealed their ticket, and 33% of all tickets remain unpaid and outstanding.
ECP's Silence and Penalty
Despite multiple attempts, KentOnline has never received a response from ECP. However, the company has faced its own penalty. Earlier this month, the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) fined ECP £473,000 for failing to provide information. ECP ignored the CMA's legal notice, despite multiple attempts to secure a response. Only after the CMA proposed a fine did ECP begin providing the necessary information, claiming they had blocked the CMA's emails, believing them to be fraudulent.
The Impact on Visitors
Many accused of keying errors refuse to pay the admin fee, believing they have proof of payment and a valid ticket. For them, the stress and frustration continue, with some, like Katie McCabe, still being chased by debt recovery agencies almost two years later.
Retired legal executive Geoff Hanington, who visited Trosley Country Park, also faces this issue. After paying £3.60 and receiving a printed ticket, he received a penalty notice 20 days later. Despite appealing with proof of purchase, he received no response until a final notice demanding £70. ECP later sent a copy of a letter rejecting his appeal, which Geoff maintains he never received.
BPA's Take on Keying Errors
The BPA, which regulates the private parking industry, acknowledges that keying errors cause understandable frustration for motorists. They state that major keying errors, where characters are missing, swapped, or an entirely different registration is entered, must be reduced to a £20 charge for the first offense at a specific site. Minor keying errors, such as a single mistyped character, must be canceled on appeal.
Looking Forward
With ECP's contract ending in April, KentOnline will be in touch with County Hall to learn more about KCC's next parking arrangement for their country parks. Let's hope the new arrangement will encourage visitors and not deter them from enjoying these cherished green spaces.
Have you encountered similar issues with parking fines? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Your voice matters!
