Drivers hit with fines from 'faulty’ car park machines

Motorist calls out parking company for 'tricking people’

- NEIL LANCEFIELD

A private parking company has been accused of unfairly demanding hundreds of pounds from drivers who say its ticket machines incorrectly recorded their vehicle registrations.

Affected motorists said they are being “bullied” by Euro Car Parks despite buying tickets to use Syston Town Square car park in Leicestershire. One said they would “rather go to prison” than pay more money.

Users of the car park enter their registration into a machine when they purchase a paper ticket, which is a system used across the UK. A number of people who insist they followed the instructions have been sent parking charge notices (PCNs) as there was no record of payment when their number plates were identified by cameras.

A video posted online appears to show a woman typing her registration into the keypad on one of the car park’s two machines, but different numbers and letters are displayed on the screen. The RAC described the situation as “scandalous” and warned it has received reports of similar problems elsewhere.

There is growing criticism of the private parking industry over claims of aggressive debt collection, misleading and confusing signage, and unreasonable fees. More than 130 Facebook users have joined a group for people unhappy with their treatment after using Syston Town Square car park.