‘I WILL NEVER SHOP IN LONGTON AGAIN’
Police worker boycotting town after incurring £60 ‘fine’ at ‘most hated’ car park in Stoke-on-trent
ANGRY motorist Claire Fernyhough is boycotting Stokeon-trent’s ‘most-hated car park’– after she was fined £60 fine for staying too long.
The 48-year-old, who works for Staffordshire Police, says she will never shop in Longton again after being stung on her last trip.
Claire left her car outside Sports Direct and Matalan, off Heathcote Road, on September 24 while attending a work event at nearby Longton market.
She entered at 8.28am and went to pay for her ticket at about 12.15pm. But she hadn’t realised the maximum stay is three hours – and anyone staying longer has to stump up £60.
Claire, of Meir Park, said: “I needed at least four hours because it was supposed to be going on until 2pm. I wanted somewhere cheap to park because I normally claim parking expenses back if it’s for work. It also needed to be close to the market because I had stuff to carry.
“I checked the sign above the new meters. I went to pay before I left for my event but then realised you have to pay on return.
“I checked the sign and it says two hours’ free parking and for one to three hours it’s £1.80.
“I assumed you have two hours free and if you are there for any longer it will charge you £1.80. I thought that was quite acceptable. Nowhere on the sign does it say a short-stay car park.”
Claire was stunned when, on her return, the ticket machine demanded £60 from her. I thought that’s not right,” she said. “I tried a few times and it kept coming up.”
Claire rang parking operator
G24’s helpline, and later paid the fine on the firm’s website.
But she is now calling for better signs to make motorists aware what will happen if they outstay their welcome.
She said: “I got quite teary. I’m lucky I have a job and can afford that. For some people that could be the difference between being able to pay for a bill. It’s quite shocking.
“I am furious about it. It’s utterly ridiculous. They need to make it clear that it is a short stay car park. They are going to keep catching people out and it’s not fair.
“I would never use that car park again, I will never shop in Matalan or Sports Direct again and I will never shop in Longton again.”
The ANPR camera-controlled car park has been dubbed ‘Stokeon-trent’s most hated’ after several drivers fell foul of the rules. Motorists are charged 60p for up to one hour, £1.20 for up to two hours, and £1.80 for up to three hours.
The Sentinel has tried to approach G24 for a statement regarding Claire’s case.