Parking issues persist at Island Green but regular communication providing “glimmer of hope”

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, has provided an update following her calls for improvements to be made at a city centre car park.

Residents will be aware parking issues have persisted at the privately-operated Island Green Shopping Centre car park for several years.

After exhausting a number of avenues, Ms Griffiths wrote to the head of the British Parking Association in December urging the organisation to look into operators Euro Car Parks’ practices.

Lesley Griffiths MS said: “Euro Car Parks’ conduct remains a concern as I continue to be contacted by constituents who have been unfairly fined. I am awaiting a satisfactory response to my letter to the British Parking Association but have received a promising acknowledgment and am hopeful progress will be made. 

“Thankfully, there is a glimmer of hope. My communication with Euro Car Parks is ongoing and I am receiving some positive news, with some constituents receiving refunds and having their parking tickets cancelled.”

A particular issue for constituents specifically relates to ‘keying errors’ when typing in their vehicle’s registration.

Ms Griffiths added: “It is clear fines are being given to people who have paid, and correctly displayed, their ticket.

“There are two types of keying errors – ‘minor’ and ‘major’. A ‘minor’ error could include typing one letter or number wrongly, typing the numbers/letters in the wrong order, or making a small mistake such as writing a zero instead of an ‘o’.  A ‘major’ error includes providing the wrong registration details completely, only entering the first part of the number plate or typing more than one letter or number incorrectly.

“Unfortunately, the BPA states it’s reasonable for a parking operator to make a ‘modest’ charge of up to £20 to cover their processing costs.  This would have needed to be paid within 14 days, as after this the ‘fine’ will revert to the original rate.

“Due to the amount of complaints I have received from constituents regarding ‘major keying errors’, I have again written to Euro Car Parks requesting all their payment machines at Island Green are serviced as a matter of urgency.  With many exciting events planned for our city this year, it is my hope that Euro Car Parks understands the concerns and makes the much-needed improvements.

“In the meantime, I would urge anyone using the car park to be cautious, carefully enter their vehicle registration and ensure they check before pressing for a ticket.”