Visitors to an Alton hotel have complained of receiving parking charges despite following its registration instructions.

Adam Crick said he entered his vehicle details at Alton House Hotel’s reception while exhibiting at a wedding fair on October 4, but was still issued a charge.

He said at least four other people who were at the same event had also received parking charges.

“Upon arrival, I followed the instructions provided by the venue and entered my vehicle registration details into the parking validation terminal located at reception,” he said.

“Despite doing this, I was informed that a parking charge had been issued against my vehicle.”

Mr Crick’s vehicle was leased, and the parking charge notice was sent to his leasing company, which paid it and invoiced him for the charge and an administration fee.

He said: “I have contacted the hotel seeking assistance, but have been informed that because the leasing company paid the charge, liability has effectively been accepted.

“This is despite the fact that the leasing company was not driving the vehicle and was not in a position to know whether the charge was valid.”

Alton House Hotel said its car park was run by an independent operator, Creative Car Park, and that it received no revenue from parking charges.

William Weis, the hotel’s regional manager, said: “The car park at Alton House Hotel is operated by an independent third-party company and not Alton House Hotel itself.”

He said Creative Car Park was responsible for the parking systems, issuing notices and handling appeals, and was governed by the relevant legislation and regulations.

“I must also note Alton House Hotel receives no revenue from any penalty charge notices issued and does not supply or operate any hardware or software involved,” he said.

Mr Weis said the leasing company’s payment had amounted to acceptance of liability. He added that lease and rental agreements generally set out how companies handle parking charges.

He said parking notices contained contact details and information about appeals, including a further appeal to Parking on Private Land Appeals.

“Alton House Hotel will gladly assist at any point regarding penalty charge notices received,” he said.

However, he said any challenge following payment would need to come directly from the party that paid the charge to the parking company.