Drivers urged to 'boycott' Trowbridge car park over new cameras

The clampdown on drivers leaving the vicinity of the car park while their vehicles remain has led to some people saying the area should be boycotted until the regulations are changed.

The call follows a Wiltshire Times story about one driver who was handed a £100 ‘fine’ for parking there and then leaving the car park to get cash for the ticket machine.

Commenting on the story, others urged drivers not to use the car park and hit its new owner in the pocket.

The rules have been enforced since Monday, August 19 after the French company Iroko Zen bought St Stephen’s Place Leisure Park for £11.37 million.

New automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras were installed before the announcement  but it is not clear if the new company are behind the idea.

READ MORE: Driver ‘fined’ for leaving St Stephen’s Place leisure park car park

New signage at St Stephen's Place Leisure Park warns drivers they will receive parking charge notices if they contravene the regulations by leaving the site while their vehicle remains. (Image: Trevor Porter)

Users are now being hit with a parking charge notice for £100, reduced to £60 if they pay within 14 days of issue, for contravening the regulations.

The Wiltshire Times story was commented on just over 40 times. 

A resident with the username Umuganda Kigali posted: “I recommend refusing to pay their invoices, as that is what it really is, then demand the evidence of you walking away from the premises, if they can’t provide it by either video or photographic evidence then tell them to sling their hook.”

Someone with the username Pizzagolf added: “Boycott all the businesses and they will remove the parking company!.”

Paul Millard posted: “I would go as far to suggest that everyone should boycott the car park entirely."

Others say that boycotting the car park will affect trade at nearby food and drink outlets, as well as the 83-bed Premier Inn and the ODEON cinema, who are then likely to complain about their trade being affected by a lack of customers.

User Umuganda Kigali added: “It will all end in tears as so many are going to get fined, Premier Inn customers will boycott the hotel.

“Everyone who receives a PCN for walking away from the site should definitely appeal by using POPLA.”

Some voiced doubts about the legality of the regulations, noting the difficulty of proving that people have left the vicinity unless witnessed by the car park warden.

User Umuganda Kigali said: “The last time I looked I didn’t see a number plate on my back end, how can a human receive a PCN?

“The CCTV only monitors the cars and not pedestrians that leave and don’t return again. This requires a decent barrister to investigate the legality of this ridiculous charge.”

Others say that drivers should avoid the area, and park elsewhere, such as in the multi-storey car park nearby.

Someone under the name Greenman02 added: “I have never come across such a draconian condition for parking, that you have to remain on site for the full duration of your legally obtained authorised ticket conditions.

“So, if I had a meal in Waga and then walked into town to pick up some prescriptions, does that mean my ticket is no longer valid?

“Nevertheless, I avoid St Stephen’s Place entirely, I usually park in the M&S car park or the free multi-storey.”

UKPC and Knight Frank, who now manage the car park for Iroko Zen, have been approached for comment.

The Wiltshire Times has so far had no response.