Pay-on-exit parking loophole?

273K

I once read somewhere on the internet saying that, at a pay-on-exit car park, you have no obligation to pay for parking and they have no right to stop you from leaving. The logic being that it falls under the law on private clamping and it's unlawful to block your access to the highway. You just drive up to the gate press the intercom and tell them to let you out. The attendant (if there is one) is likely to refuse initially, but they know this law and will ultimately let you go if you stand your ground, especially if it's busy and there's cars queued up behind you they'll cave in pretty quick. Additionally the barriers are designed to collapse/move easily (in case of emergency) so you can just drive through them.
Needless to say I've never had the brass neck to actually try this, nor have I been able to corroborate it, but I do think about it every time I go to a multistorey, especially at the airport!

Bl4ckGryph0n

Hmm interesting, it would never come into my mind to knowingly park on someone else land which is clearly set up for paid parking to then play games and leave without paying. Why would you even consider that?

273K

I didn't say I was considering it, it's something I read about and was wondering if it has any basis in fact.

Delvey

Lets word it a different way. You go to a opticians. You have your eyes tested. You refuse to pay and leave, knowing full well they cannot stop you. Does not sound morally correct (yet possibly legal)

273K

True, but legality and morality are not the same thing, and the law is what counts. I'm not disputing that it's a sketchy thing to do, I'm asking whether this morally unacceptable action is technically legal.

PSM1

I would imagine it is legal for you to leave without paying but also legal for them to start court action to recover their losses.

IronGiant

Probably one of those Freeman on the Land things...

KyleS1

You said you think about it every time you are in a multi storey car park. That certainly sounds like you are considering it.

djbsom

On the point of refusing to pay at the gate  --  
We recently stayed at a premier inn that had an adjacent multi story car park.
At check in we paid a separate amount to 'validate' the car parking ticket.
At the exit gate the next morning the ticket came up with a due amount equal to the fee we had paid at the hotel desk.
I pressed the 'help' button and eventually someone answered and, after hearing my story, told me to pay the machine to exit and then take the matter up with the hotel.
I pointed out that there was a Q forming behind me and I wasn't about to pay again.
"Fine" he said and the barrier came up and off we drove.
I would imagine keeping the traffic flowing was more important than adding over a tenner with me.

noiseboy72

By parking in the car park, you entered into a contract. By leaving without paying, you are breaking the contract. Damaging the barrier is criminal damage.

One way or another either a summons or County Court judgement is heading your way...

Now, if you want a loophole, our station car park has 1 rate before 09.30 and a cheaper rate afterwards. Payment can be via a Ringo App which in the terms simply states you must pay for parking, not when payment has to be made. Therefore, just wait until after 09.30 and make a payment. You have still paid for parking and fulfilled the contract - and saved yourself £7.00 per day!!