Gabriel Grew-McEvoy insists he paid for a ticket at Eype car park but is now being asked to fork out ‘an extreme amount’ of money amid claims he didn’t park in a designated spot.
Mr Grew-McEvoy, who recently moved back to the Bridport area to be closer to his family, is the latest motorist to find himself targeted by the car park operator Euro Car Parks.
(Image: Gabriel Grew McEvoy)
The site has been hit with much controversy since changes were introduced when the operator took over in 2024 and started enforcing strict rules.
Mr Grew-McEvoy was issued with an initial £70 charge stating his ‘vehicle was parked in a no parking area’. Because he has attempted to challenge that amount he has now been landed with an even bigger bill.
Eype car park has no lined bays or ‘designated’ space(Image: Gabriel Grew-McEvoy)
READ: Eype car park: Man has £100 parking fine overturned
While the terms and conditions of the car park state that ‘vehicles must be parked within marked bays,’ Eype car park is comprised of grass and gravel, with no delineated parking bays.
The sign with terms and conditions at Eype Car Park(Image: Gabriel Grew-McEvoy)
The incident dates back to July 2024 and Mr Grew-McEvoy has now been sent a letter from the courts demanding he pay a total of £292.36.
READ: More people come forward after receiving parking fines
During his visit to Eype to meet with friends, Mr Grew-McEvoy claimed the parking machine was not working and he struggled to pay via mobile due to a poor signal. His payment did eventually go through and showed up on his bank statement.
He said he challenged the initial charge and got no response and has now been sent a county court judgment (CCJ) for the higher amount.
He said: “This is an enormous sum of money, especially as I had attempted to – and indeed did – pay for my parking stay, and attempted to communicate such to the parking provider.
The ticket machine was not working at Eype Car Park(Image: Gabriel Grew-McEvoy)
“Being issued with a CCJ is hugely stressful and completely disproportionate to the situation. I have been tempted to pay to make the problem go away, but feel that it is not right to do so. I cannot afford to pay such an amount, and certainly shouldn’t have to.”
READ: Major upset over Euro Car Parks changes at Eype Beach
“It’s bullying and intimidation with the letters they send. The parking used to be free and lots of people are having these issues.
“I grew up in Bridport, and have spent many summers at Eype beach. It is my favourite spot to spend the summer. However, the new parking enforcements have made taking a trip there difficult, unpleasant and expensive.”
Mr Grew-McEvoy has tried to explain the situation to Euro Car Parks but said he has not received any communication from the operator.
He added: “We should be able to enjoy our beaches without threat of legal action and financial consequence, especially when abiding by the rules.
“This could affect anyone using the car park. Euro Car Parks is using their ANPR system to excessively charge visitors against terms and conditions which they do not abide by themselves.”
Euro Car Parks has been contacted for comment.
