Benham Publishing Businesss Magazines December 2013 | Page 5

UPFront Debenhams Ottaway defends £1/4m parking charge Hertfordshire law firm Debenhams Ottaway LLP successfully defended a St Albans’ company in a £1/4m claim brought by a subsidiary of the Creative Parking Group. The Creative Parking Group, whose clients include Morrisons and Sainsburys, brought the action after it was alleged that the company breached a contract which would have allowed them to generate revenues from parking fines in the central St Albans development of approximately £1/4m. They instructed central London firm Michcon de Reya to bring proceedings in the High Court. The management company was represented by Luke Harrison of Debenhams Ottaway and Timothy Hammond of Tanfield Chambers who filed a Defence and Counterclaim challenging, amongst other things, the legality of parking charges on private land. The parking company subsequently agreed to discontinue its claim. Luke Harrison said “This is a victory for David over Goliath in what was an aggressively fought piece of litigation. It questions the underlying legality of parking charges levied on private land, a question which is still to be decided by a Court because the sums involved, unlike in this case, are normally too low to involve lawyers and detailed legal argument.” "National Centre for Project Management at the University of Hertfordshire enjoys a very close relationship with the Herts Chamber. We always meet the right people at their events and together we are stronger in supporting local businesses and their growth. If your business is not a chamber member - you are missing out on huge opportunities!" Alex Mortimer, Director of Business Development, NCPM, University of Hertfordshire & Herts Chamber Ambassador Tel: [phone] Fresh Thinking! To move your business forward We have dedicated experts, leading edge facilities and talented graduates, ready to help your business succeed. Find out how to: Work with our knowledgeable experts Develop the skills of your people Recruit our students Make your resources go further Attend networking and topical events Use our leading edge facilities Contact our Business Development team www.herts.ac.uk/businessservices Tel: [phone] Email: [email protected] INSPIRE 5