Fury at automobile park ‘surveillance’ as individuals ‘fined £100 for leaving area’ | UK | News | EUROtoday

Residents in a UK seaside resort have been left livid after what have been dscribed as “deeply intrusive surveillance” practices had been launched at a neighborhood automobile park. Under the foundations, drivers parking in Wick Parade automobile park in Littlehampton, West Sussex, might be fined £100 if caught on digital camera leaving the speedy space to go to different components of the city. Car park operator One Parking Solution mentioned new signage specified that individuals can park their vehicles for 3 hours, however solely “whilst remaining on site”.

Alison Griffiths, Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, mentioned the penalty amounted to “deeply intrusive surveillance” and was inflicting “deep anguish to residents and businesses”. “I’ve been hearing real concern from residents and local businesses about how these charges are being applied,” she added. “People shouldn’t feel worried about popping into nearby shops.”

One Parking Solution instructed the BBC that the enforcement was “necessary to prevent non-customer parking, which places an unfair burden on the landowner in terms of maintenance costs and business rates, while also limiting access for legitimate users”.

Rachel Warren, who owns Sips and Giggles cafe close by, mentioned individuals had been being “scaremongered” into parking elsewhere within the city.

“We’re gutted by it, we’re all being impacted,” she mentioned. “The company needs to reconsider its rules, allow people to use the car park for any of the shops on the parade.

“As far as we’re involved, Wick Parade is all of the retailers. The worst bit is most of us are small single companies making an attempt to outlive.”

Ms Griffiths said she had escalated the matter to Parliament and called for action against “rogue parking practices”.

A spokesperson for One Parking Solution said: “The phrases and situations of use are clearly displayed on signage all through the positioning; motorists are inspired to learn the signage when selecting to park.

“Those who choose not to adhere should park elsewhere. If a motorist belives a parking charge has been issued in error, they should appeal.”