‘NO LONGER ANY PANIC WHEN I’M SHOPPING’
Campaigners welcome free parking at controversial site
DRIVERS can now park for free at ‘Stoke-on-trent’s most-hated car park’ – for up to two hours.
The change has been brought in at the Sports Direct and Matalan car park, off Heathcote Road, in Longton, following a number of complaints from angry drivers hit with parking tickets.
Motorists had previously been charged 60p for up to one hour, £1.20 for up to two hours, and £1.80 for up to three hours – and they could get their money back by scanning in a receipt from either of the stores.
But many shoppers were still hit with fines despite appearing to follow the rules. Stoke-on-trent South MP Jack Brereton took up their fight in a series of letters to car park operator G24 Now drivers who have already paid their fines are waiting to find out whether they can get their money back.
Mr Brereton said: “Following my vociferous campaigning, I welcome the introduction of limited free parking at Heathcote Road.
“I am, however, continuing to press hard on behalf of those of my constituents who have already received unjust fines from the car park operator. “Shoppers have been treated appallingly and it is unfair that the changes are only now being introduced.”
Shoppers have welcomed the change.
Motorist Charlotte Whitehead, aged 32, from Weston Coyney, said: “I feel a lot better going to the shops. In the past I would run in and out because I was worried about the parking and the machines playing up.
“There is no longer any panic when I’m shopping.”
Christopher Pugh, aged 70, from Longton, added: “Free parking is a great thing but I was fined £120 so I still don’t trust the car park, it was a terrible time for me.
“With it being two hours free I hope it will bring customers back to the shops because Sports Direct and Matalan have been losing customers due to the parking issues.”
The Sentinel has approached G24 for a statement regarding the new parking tariffs.