thanks for your support & views guys. I've decided not to take this one lying down. Here's a copy of a letter I've just sent the 'security' company
A.S. Securi-t
Suite 87
27 Colmore Row
Birmingham
B3 2EW
To Whom It May Concern:
Without Prejudice:
I am writing in response to a letter received by me on Friday 14th October 2005 in which you allege that I breached parking regulations on land at Riverside Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset at 1148 Hrs on Sunday 2nd October 2005. The letter contained a parking charge notice 199743.
I am writing to inform you that I intend to contest this matter. I have not on the day in question, or indeed at any other time, parked my vehicle in the location alleged. At no time have I granted permission to any other person to park my vehicle at this location. I have not at any time entered into any form of contract with either you or your agents. No-one has ever had my permission to enter into any such contract on my behalf.
If you are in possession of any information to the contrary I request that it is disclosed to me immediately as is my right under section 8 & 9 of the Data Protection Act 1998. I am further entitled to full disclosure of any personal information held by you about me. I formally request disclosure of this information forthwith.
It is my view that the taking of photographs to detect ‘parking offences’ in this manner, and in circumstances which lead to the gathering of private information about any person (in this case, my name and address) amounts to ‘directed Covert Surveillance’ as defined by Section 26 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act. Surveillance of this kind requires authorisation in advance from an authorised person. Under the terms of the data protection act 1998 I request that you disclose a signed copy of the surveillance authorisation, together with details of the issuers right to issue such an authority.
I further consider that your behaviour in this matter breaches my Human Rights by being in contravention of Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998.
I would be grateful if you would forward the information requested within 7 days so that I can forward the information to my legal representative. If you fail to respond to these requests within 7 days of the receipt of this letter it shall be deemed that you have no further interest in this matter.
Sincerely
Alan Ewart