Locals have said the text is ridiculously small (Picture: SWNS)
A set of new parking rules were introduced by parking bosses – but the fine print is so small no one can tell.
Shoppers, business owners and drivers have claimed the authorities are cashing in on their local car park… but bosses can’t seem to see the issue.
Henwick Park trading estate, in Worcester, had previously been a ‘relaxed’ parking area for locals, who would visit many of the businesses nearby.
But in August, ticket wardens started handing out £60 fines to those who have parked in the spaces even slightly over the white lines.
And photos of the small terms and conditions sign has left many fuming as they can’t actually see the rules they’re breaking.
Worcester resident Mark Banner, 58, said he now cycles for his errands after receiving a hefty fine.
When Banner swung by his local Tesco Express at 12.24 pm one day, he left right at 12.27 pm – but within the three minutes, he was given a ticket, unaware that he had broken any rules.
The car park at Henwick Park trading estate, in Worcester (Picture: SWNS)
Driver Mark said he fears driving due to the fines (Picture: SWNS)
He said: ‘Because it was full I parked in a place people have been parking for decades. There is room for another car, but no bay.’
Mark says the text on the new signs informing people of the changes is too small and confusing to read.
He said: ‘I will take it to court. I’m 58 I have been coming here 45 years, supporting the local shops. If I have to pay it I will never use this car park ever again.’
Signs were first put up over the summer to inform drivers of the new rules – a maximum stay of four hours, and no parking between 11.30 pm and 5.30 am.
But workers and businesses near the car park have been suffering as wary drivers are avoiding the car park.
He is furious about the fine (Picture: SWNS)
Staff at a local dry cleaners said they had been given four tickets, which will increase to an eyewatering £100 if not paid in two weeks.
A staff member said: ‘People are getting tickets for no reason, it’s ridiculous. We are trying to cancel ours.
‘We wanted a camera because nearby residents were abusing the car park – but we don’t want this. It is going to affect all our businesses if it is not sorted.’
Another business owner said many customers were complaining about the tickets – and had been given them despite parking in the parking lot allocated for customers.
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He said: ‘The idea behind it might be a good one but the way it is being applied needs looking at.’
Johnson Fellows, the managing agent for the car park, said the new management was implemented in September following feedback from the ‘commercial tenants’.
He said: ‘We appointed an accredited operator to ensure the car park is managed efficiently. The operator ensures all signage and PCNs are issued in accordance with regulations and offers an online appeal process and further assistance with all PCNs issued.’
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The fine print is so small, people are struggling to read it.