Student fears "dubious" clamping is back at Croydon car park
by Lucy Buckland
lucy.buckland@essnmedia.co.uk
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FEELING RIPPED OFF: Student Tan Russell Photo No: CCRst111109d0002
"Motorists should be warned" is the message from one driver who fears dubious clamping tactics are being employed again at Croydon's most notorious car park.
Just four weeks ago, the owners of the Dingwall Road car park promised that stories of discontent would be a thing of the past after they booted out hated clampers Parkright UK.
At the time, leaseholders Retail Parking Solutions promised drivers there would no longer be "any tow trucks around the corner" and an end to "over-the-top clamping".
But on Wednesday, student Tan Russell was forced to hand over £300 after parking in a permit holder's bay.
The 26-year-old Croydon College student claimed that unlike other bays next to her spot, her space did not have a "permit holder's only" sign.
The psychology student also claimed that having offered to pay the initial £150 fine, the charge was then doubled.
She said: "As soon as I got back to my car, I saw I was clamped and went over to speak with the guys there.
"They explained to me why I got the ticket and although it wasn't fair, I just agreed to pay up to avoid any hassle.
"Then, within seconds of me getting my card out of my wallet, it had jumped up to £300.
"It was outrageous. It was completely over the top."
The mature student immediately called the police who came to the site and then called Trading Standards.
Trading Standards officers advised her to pay the £300 if she wanted her car back, and then to approach a consumer watchdog.
"The clampers said because the tow truck was ordered, I would have to pay (the full amount)," Ms Russell explained.
"I was there for three hours after I got my ticket and I never saw a truck.
"These men were disgusting, rude and unhelpful.
"All they cared about was getting their money.
"This money is cash I was going to use on books for my course."
Parkright was accused of putting up deliberately misleading signs and towing away cars within minutes of people overstaying their tickets.
But after the company was told to leave, after giving the company its marching orders, Retail Parking Solutions promised drivers such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.
With regards to Ms Russell's case, a spokesman revealed that 20 minutes after being clamped all vehicles were towed away.
He said: "After we took over the car park, we contacted Trading Standards and they told us to address signage and bay markings, which we did."
He added that all permit bays were marked correctly and that since taking over from Parkright, the company had not had any serious complaints.
8 Comments
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by Mr.Angry, Purley
Friday, November 20 2009, 11:50AM
“Still not working is it Council.”
by ANNE, SELSDON
Sunday, November 15 2009, 4:27PM
“I only use NCP car parks - you drive in, collect a ticket and pay when you drive out. Much safer.”
by Peter, Wallington
Sunday, November 15 2009, 8:09AM
“DD I entirely agree.
Both Trading Standards and the Police turned up and told her to pay. If they thought that there was any dodginess they would have assisted her.”
by DD, Croydon
Saturday, November 14 2009, 9:45PM
“This car park is now run as well as any other. The permit holders bays are all individually sign written at the front of the bay and also there are loads of signs on the wall stating that they are permit holders only bays. You would have to be blind not to see them. I use this car park daily and it is nothing like the previous rip off merchants. She made a mistake and is not willing to accept that she was stupid enough to ignore the notices.....GROW UP and take responsibility for your own actions. Signs are put there for a reason, if you don't read them when they are CLEAR and PLENTIFUL you should expect to pay for your stupidity.”
by Mike Melbourne, Ex Croydon
Saturday, November 14 2009, 4:47PM
“I got involved when the clampers clamped the vehicle of a disabled driver who was visiting his sister and had to go to her flat to get a " visitors parking permit" the clamper refused to remove the clamp I rang the police and an experienced officer had a word with the clampers who removed the clamp I asked what he had said to the clampers and he told me that he had "offered" to check their vehicle over to see if it had any defects.”