Car park company hits back at claims of ‘disgusting’ fines at Bristol retail park

The company that manages a Bristol car park where shoppers have been hit by fines for returning within two hours of leaving has responded to the claims.

Lancashire-based Parkingeye manages the car park at Gallagher Retail Park in Longwell Green where Natalie Hall was issued with two £60 fines in a week.

Natalie of Oldland Common called the fines ‘disgusting’ after receiving the charges for leaving the car park for 16 minutes and returning to pick up an item she forgot at B&Q.

On the second occasion, she drove off after buying paint in B&Q, got to the roundabout outside the car park and returned immediately to get a £2 paintbrush, and then a £60 fine for doing so.

Natalie was one of dozens of shoppers who took to social media to warn people of the charges.

A Parkingeye spokesperson said: “The car park at Gallagher Retail Park in Longwell Green, Bristol, features prominent and highly-visible signs providing information on how to use the car park responsibly.

“The guidance has been in place since October 2019 and advises customers of the retail park that they are entitled to a three-hour maximum stay with no return within two hours.

“The rules are in place to prevent long-stay parking abuse and ensure that spaces are available for customers visiting the retail park.

“We would add that Parkingeye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals process, which motorists can use to appeal their Parking Charge. If anyone has mitigating circumstances, we would encourage them to highlight this by appealing.”