Stockport residents frustrated with 'unfair and aggressive' Peel Centre parking system
A 'frustrated' group of Stockport residents are calling for the parking system at the Peel Centre to be changed, arguing it is 'unfair and aggressive'.
They claim that hundreds of customers have received expensive fines due to unclear signage, non-user friendly pay machines, and an opaque appeals process.
More than 100 people have signed a petition to the Peel Group - which manages the shopping centre - calling for free parking to be reinstated and demanding that current car park operator Ocean Parking be removed.
Petition organiser Gary Smith said the current system is causing shoppers to avoid the Peel Centre altogether.
"Shoppers deserve fair treatment", he said. "The system is punishing people for trying to support local retail."
"We call on The Peel Group to act now—listen to the community, put fairness before fines, and make the Peel Centre welcoming again."
Rates for parking at the Peel Centre start from £1 for two hours, with various options ranging up to £11 for 11 hours. Charges apply from 6am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday.
A breach of Ocean Parking's terms and conditions at the Peel Centre can land drivers a £100 fine.
Stockport MP Navendu Mishra said he was 'concerned' by reports of unfair practices, and planned to meet with representatives from Ocean Parking.
"I have been in contact with Ocean Parking and I have pressed relevant ministers about private parking operators, the apparent biases in the adjudication process conducted by the Independent Appeals Service, and an urgent need for reform", Mr Mishra said.
"I welcome that the Government is currently consulting on a private parking code of practice. This is seeking to raise standards in the private parking industry and I urge residents to take part."
Ocean Parking, which manages the car park, said in its defence that their system had improved safety, fairness, and customer experience. They also said footfall had increased by 47 percent in the last 12 months.
"Prior to Ocean's appointment at the Peel Centre, the car park faced significant challenges", a spokesperson said.
They explained that, since taking over, the company had replaced outdated pay machines, introduced a security team, and reduced congestion from commuters.
"Key improvements include implementing a fair enforcement process designed to encourage positive behavioural change", the spokesperson continued.
"In order to achieve this, new and updated signage, which has been reviewed and audited by our governing body and which conforms with the new Single Code of Conduct, has been installed across the site, thus facilitating a much easier customer journey.
"Our commitment is to ensure the Peel Centre car park is responsibly managed, accessible, and proportionately enforced.
"Going forward, if any customer believes that the penalty charge notice they have received has been issued incorrectly, then they have the ability to appeal via Ocean Parking and if necessary, the Independent Appeals Service, a facility offered to customers that is in no way influenced by operators."
Ocean Parking manages around 200 car parks across the country, and is described as the UK's fastest growing car park company.
The Peel Centre also happens to be one of the UK's largest retail parks, with 20 different shops including The Range, Dunelm, Smyths, and more.
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