Trevor
If you are not familiar with Ashton centre then, I agree, it is easy to miss the notices.
If you do park in Ashton again then the two free car parks are situated:
* parallel with Hilton Street (access it via Ladysmith Avenue) but don't go through the yellow barrier because then you are on Aldi and they fine you if you overstay.
* Market Square (access this via Garswood Street).
If you park on these then it is free and there is no time limit on your stay

I got one when I parked overnight and had not noticed the signs on the Aldi Car Park. I was wondering why the barriers were no longer in use, then it became obvious when I got the charge. I also dont see why this restriction was between 10pm and 9am Sunday before Aldi was even open. If they dont want people to use it why dont they close the Gate like they used to. Oh thats right because the company who run it want to make money.

I ignored it and they got bored asking me for the money.

Town: Ashton

I have also read that there is no legal basis for them to enforce this, it is just that the vast majority of people will pay without a second thought.

Town: Ashton

I've heard that before about them having no legal right to make you pay. So how do they get away with it? Why aren't more people making up scams and asking people to pay them? The options for this are endless.

Town: Stubshaw Cross

That is what I have read, if you dont reply and have no correspondence then you are not accepting any Contract, they can I think try to take you to court but I dont know of any case were they have. Generally what happens is people will pay so they write off what is not paid. I dont know enough about the law but I guess they can specify a contract and ask for payment when you are in breach of this but legally they cannot enforce it. Other types maybe illegal to start with so they dont do them.

Town: Ashton

I realise this is an old post but yesterday I received an parking fine for parking on ashtons co-op car park stating that I parked on there for 5 hours (limit is 2.5 hrs) when in fact I went on the car park twice, hours apart on the same day!

Do I ignore or write to them explaining the situation?

Town: Ashton

Heard of this happening before on there Emma.

Town: Ashton