Try GOLD - Free
No sign of any U-turn on match-day parking scam
The Observer
|April 06, 2025
I received a £170 penalty charge notice (PCN) after being scammed by fake parking stewards while attending a football match at Old Trafford. This must be affecting unsuspecting fans at every match.
I had been directed to park on a nearby street by men wearing hi-vis jackets with "official match day parking" written on them. They demanded a £10 parking fee in cash. I later discovered they were rogue operators and that they had tricked me into parking on private land.
The operator that enforces parking rules on the road, Ocean Parking, has admitted to me that it has known for years that this scam is happening on its client's property. It seems disgraceful that Ocean is profiting amid this criminal activity.
GT. Bolton
This scam has been going on for at least five years, judging by social media threads, meaning that the con artists (and legitimate parking enforcers) have been making thousands of pounds from unwitting drivers. Your ire is understandable.
This story is from the April 06, 2025 edition of The Observer.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Observer
The Observer
Government accused of 'downplaying' data leak risk to Afghans who aided UK forces
A new report offers a stark contrast to the official review about the deadly effects of the information breach
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
After the hurricane: will the human cost finally push Cop30 into action on climate crisis?
As politicians head to Brazil, Melissa offers a stark reminder of the consequences of failure to act. Climate editor
7 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Why debt strategy is taking centre stage in Reeves's 'aggressive' plans
The bond markets, buyers and no less importantly - sellers of government bonds, hang like spectres over this year's budget.
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Open, ended: Allen lifts lid on the sexual chaos of non-monogamy
Singer's skewering of her actor husband has us hooked and asking: what the hell is happening in modern marriage and dating?
5 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
We're working to root out medical misogyny and ensure mothers' voices are heard
Medical misogyny has cast a long shadow over maternity care in this country. The conversations I've had with harmed and bereaved families have been profoundly shocking.
1 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Rio favelas mourn as deadliest police raid exposes deep divisions
Last week's operation, which left at least 121 people dead, has led to calls for the governor to go, but also demands for a tougher approach from President Lula
4 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
The gloves are off: Mary Earps hits out at England coach and fellow goalie
In a revealing new memoir, the Lionesses' former keeper criticises Sabrina Wiegman and exposes resentments in the squad, writes Jessy Parker Humphries
3 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Clinical negligence costs NHS almost the same as it spends on maternity care
Defensiveness and a hierarchical environment lead to cover-ups, says ombudsman
5 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Save us from ‘Shrekking’ - we have plenty of dating horrors already
In an ideal world, the young find their own way - but sometimes you have to intervene.
2 mins
November 02, 2025
The Observer
Musk won't stop. It's time the government gave up on X for good
The platform has become a swamp of disinformation. Politicians should lead the way out, says Will Jennings
3 mins
November 02, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size