A TOWN centre car park recently taken over by a private company has been causing ‘mayhem’ for local businesses - with many receiving £100 fines for ‘doing nothing wrong’.
The car park between Market Street and Wellington Street is now owned by ParkingEye, a firm subject to a BBC Watchdog investigation in 2018.
Ann Young owns Berry’s Opticians, on Market Street, and said that at least seven of her customers have received a £100 fine after visiting the car park in the last month or so.
She added: “The new machines are really confusing for our patients and they don’t work half the time.
“I had to help someone out to get the app and it wasn’t even downloading it’s causing mayhem and we’ve had seven patients who have had fines.
“People are coming into the car park, not being able to use the machines properly, and then leaving after the 15 minutes it’s a nightmare.
“It’s really not encouraging people to come into town at the minute and it’s affecting businesses I’m really angry about it.
“I just want people to be aware of the issues with the car park if we’ve had seven patients alone I can only imagine it’s the tip of the iceberg.”
A spokesperson for Parkingeye confirmed that they were investigating the matter.
The spokesperson added: “Parkingeye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals process, which motorists can use to appeal their Parking Charge Notice.
“If anyone has mitigating circumstances, we would encourage them to highlight this by appealing to Parkingeye.”
