Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Excel drives bid to investigate claims motorists ‘bullied’

Kirsty Elleray
10/10/2007

PARKING firm Excel says it would be more than happy to look into dozens of complaints from angry drivers after being slammed for using ‘bullying tactics’ at its Peel Centre car park.

The Stockport Express has been flooded with complaints about the Sheffield-based company and the alleged tactics it uses to fine customers using the Peel Centre.

Some disabled drivers claim they have received 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 since various articles appeared in the Stockport Express, in which drivers complained about ‘bullying tactics’ used by Excel to get people to pay fines, the commercial director of the company has been in touch with us directly to explain the company’s position.

Alun Cockcroft, of Excel Parking Services Limited, said: "We would be more than happy to look into any particular issues the Stockport Express has received, particularly regarding, the issue of ‘Parking Charge Notices’ (PNCs) to disabled motorists at The Peel Centre, Stockport."

Mr Cockcroft asked the Stockport Express to forward specific cases, to allow the company to carry out a review with a ‘pertinent response to the facts as appropriate’.

The company also contacted Stockport MP Ann Coffey, who has also been inundated with aggrieved disabled drivers’ complaints about Excel Parking.

Many fined drivers claim they have been unjustly penalised or were completely unaware that a parking ticket was necessary due to what they claim are poorly positioned 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.

It has also been reported that dozens of angry disabled drivers wanted their day in court with the parking company as they believe they have been unfairly targeted.

The director of Disablity Stockport Kieran McMahon has been trying to resolve disabled driver’s problems at the Peel Centre by working with Excel.

He said: "I tried to find a solution with Excel but this was five months ago and we are now being ignored. Something needs to be done."