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MP backs fight against tactics of parking firm

Kirsty Elleray
19/ 9/2007

STOCKPORT MP Ann Coffey is backing disabled drivers in their fight against parking firm Excel.

Ms Coffey has received a flood of complaints about the Sheffield- based company and the tactics it uses to fine customers using the Peel Centre.

Disabled drivers receive fines of up to £100 - backed by threats of court action - if they do not purchase a parking ticket or display their disabled badges clearly when parking in the centre’s designated bays.

But many fined drivers claim they have been unjustly penalised or were completely unaware that a parking ticket was necessary due to the poor positioning of signs.

Disabled drivers have further complained that although the Peel Centre’s disabled parking spaces are next to stores, the pay machines are not - defeating the whole purpose of having designated bays.

Ms Coffey, pictured, said: "We have had a stream of people complain to us over the year about the aggressive manner of the company and the lack of flexibility it has if people have made a genuine mistake by not getting a ticket. They just say that is the rules.

"The disabled parking issue is that the spaces are provided outside the shops to help people with a disability, who have limited mobility, not to walk very far, but then they have to walk to get a ticket from a machine on the other side of the car park.

"What the company should do is move machines to the front of the car park, near the shops, where the disabled spots are, introduce a system where people buy tickets from the shops themselves or make it so they can obtain the tickets while they are still in their car. Something just doesn’t seem right.

"The legislation says that services should be accessible for disabled people, and this isn’t working here."

Ms Coffey’s support has come after various articles have appeared in the Stockport Express in which furious disabled drivers have complained about the bullying tactics Excel Parking uses to get people to pay fines.

Last week it was reported that dozens of angry disabled drivers wanted their day in court with the parking company as they believe they have unfairly targeted.


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   I live in Mansfield and have been fighting Excel Parking Services for almost a year now. Their tactics are abominable. They are taking me to Court after I have refused to pay fines of £300. They accused me of overstaying 2 hours in a free car park in Mansfield which I deny. They did not send initial £40 fines out only £100 ones accusing me of not paying the original ones (which I and many other people also did not receive. My solicitor has issued my defence and I await my Court date in due course. Is there anyone else in a similar situation? I would be interested to hear from them.
vicvic, mansfield
4/01/2008 at 10:11
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