Pals’ fury over New Hall Hey parking tickets
AGROUP of friends say a lovely afternoon catch-up was ‘spoilt’ after they were hit by new retail park parking charges - and have vowed they won’t return unless they are refunded.
Smiles turned to frowns as former colleagues Emma Teoli, Vicky Gamble, Lyn Dawber and Kim O’Brien who received parking fines after spending several hours catching up during a long-awaited reunion at Costa Coffee at New Hall Hay retail park.
The group, who worked together at Hillside Nursery school in Haslingden, say they were unaware of new three-hour time limits on parking.
After posting a cheerful selfie as a memento, they left with the happy memories of an afternoon well spent.
However, three of them received £100 fines from Premier Park Ltd for staying in the car park for over three hours.
Kim, from Rawtenstall, said: “We all said goodbye and went away, we were so happy and a few days later we got these fines.
“We were all on a downer and it was my idea to come here, so I felt really bad.
“I wasn’t aware of any camera system in place and I certainly didn’t know there was a three hour parking limit.
“I’m not coming back. If they give us all our money back I’ll come and shop here, but I’m not coming
shopping here now.”
Emma, from Helmshore, was ‘disgusted’ after receiving the fine.
She said: “The little signs [are] high up the posts so people don’t notice them.”
Vicky, who got a lift with Emma on the day, said she has offered to split the fine – meaning all four have been hit in the pocket.
They say that, despite reassurances that ‘genuine customers’ would be treated sympathetically, they have been told that nothing can be done about the fines.
Last month, Premier Park Ltd told us the charges had been introduced to ensure spaces are kept for genuine customers.
A spokesperson said
this week: “We would advise anyone who has received a charge to appeal directly, in the first instance to us, along with any evidence of purchase or any other information that may support their appeal.
“If the appeal is denied, the opportunity to further appeal to the Independent Appeals Body, POPLA, is then made available.
“We can confirm that there are 33 signs in and around the location, including at the entrance as you drive in.”