Should my elderly in-laws pay this parking fine?

My in-laws are an ageing couple in their 80s. They do a weekly shop at Aldi in Stourbridge using the car park in front of the store. The store recently introduced a system of recording the registration mark of the cars on entry to store to secure free on-site parking. They forgot to do this and received a parking charge notification.

I recall you offered advice previously on mitigating or challenging the fine by way of an offer of payment for a minor contractual infringement. I wonder if you would advise this as the best action for them to take. The ticket suggests appeals to the Parking Eye company. As an elderly couple this notice has caused them some distress, and equally will cause financial hardship if they pay the £40 now, let alone the £70 after 13 days.

Asked on 11 March 2012 by AW, Belbroughton

Answered by Honest John
I'd advise them to pay the £40 because the escalating harassment if they don't pay will severely upset them.
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