Every second counts

It may be a turn of phrase but according to Euro Car Parks (ECP) every second does count in their eyes.

ECP are the owner operators of the car park off Wish Street, you know the one, behind the chip shop on the roundabout as you enter Rye from Winchelsea Road.

ECP are no strangers to Rye News, they have been the subject of much anger and discussion by drivers who regularly pick up fines for seemingly overstaying their welcome in town (see Wish Street car park claims another victim). Yet again ECP are making the headlines as another disgruntled and angry customer has written not only to Rye News but also Rye Town Council and Citizens Advice Bureau asking for help, annoyed as they feel they have not only been unfairly treated but also totally ripped off.

We have agreed not to publish the details of the driver of this latest complaint as the matter could go to court and we have no wish to prejudice their position, instead we have published their statement in italics below after their very disappointing visit to Rye earlier this summer.

“On 3rd August, I drove to Rye, having just adopted a stray dog who needed some supplies. I live about 45 minutes from Rye further north in Kent, but I know that Rye is famously dog-friendly and had a nice pet shop. So I entered the car park at 10:22:58 (as kindly documented by the ECP ANPR system), found a space, paid for an hour’s parking at 10:25, according to my phone.

“I then walked with my two dogs up through the streets of Rye to Paws ‘n’ Claws pet shop where the staff were very helpful finding a harness to fit my new adoptee. I also bought him a lead, a bed and some treats to help him settle in after a successful foster period. I walked back to the car park, loaded both dogs into the car and drove out of the car park at 11:23:03 (according to ECP ANPR).

“Due to a complication with my V5C being updated after moving house, I did not receive the initial notice letter and subsequently missed the 28-day appeal window which meant I could neither pay the stated £60/£100 fine or dispute the 5-second “infringement”.

“I tried using the ECP contact form on their website, requesting that the charge be cancelled given the disproportionate parking notice, but was told I could not officially appeal through them because the appeal window had lapsed. I then contacted Citizens Advice regarding the debt notice as well as Rye Town Council. I was given advice by both but I don’t believe I should be charged for being 5 seconds over the 1-hour period when the cameras are not clearly visible as you enter the alleyway into the car park, nor as you leave. The signage is misleading, and a car PARK should not be charging cars for time spent unPARKED.

“As far as I’m aware, I paid for an hour’s parking at 10:25 and was caught on camera leaving the car park at 11:23. So, if anything, I was parked for less than an hour in total. It is also unreasonable to expect a customer to be able to time their parking to within seconds on a clock.

“I have not paid the fine or debt and I would be keen to hear how any other cases for this car park or others have been received and whether there has been any success against these car park bullies.”

For those who have never parked in Wish Street carpark, beware. Despite whatever time is stated on your ticket, the moment you enter their car park, the ECP clock starts to tick. An ANPR camera records you entering the car park but there is no signage confirming this, resulting in many drivers unwittingly leaving themselves open to fines or prosecution.