Rip-off charge to pay parking fine
GREEDY parking firms are hitting motorists with payment “processing” fees on top of rip-off fines.
The extra charges are imposed on drivers already forced to pay penalties of up to £85 for staying too long in private car parks.
Euro Car Parks, whose clients include hospitals and supermarkets, charges £1.50 to pay online and £2.50 to handle a cheque.
CP Plus adds a £1.50 “transaction fee”. Parking Eye charges for using a credit card. Martyn James, of consumer website Resolver, said it was unfair drivers had to “pay for the privilege” of settling a fine.
He added: “It’s time to end this rip-off culture.”
The British Parking Association, which represents the industry, said: “Some approved operators do apply a surcharge, but the amounts can vary, and others do not apply a surcharge at all.”