Drivers warned of new parking rules at Corby car park

Parking charges have been introduced at the former co-op car park in Alexandra Road, Corby. NNL-160804-165952001

Charges at the former Co-op store in Alexandra Road, Corby, have not been enforced since the shop shut in January.

So shoppers had been using the 150-space car park for free.

At the end of March, a new company called Smart Parking took over the running of the car park, installed an ANPR system and new signs showing their charges.

Parking charges have been introduced at the former co-op car park in Alexandra Road, Corby. NNL-160804-165910001

But car park users say they did not notice the new signs and there was no indication that the charges would begin to be enforced.

The first they heard of it was when they started to receive parking tickets.

Many drivers have received multiple tickets because they had parked there on several days before receiving the tickets through the post.

Several have posted their experiences on social media to alert other local people.

Parking charges have been introduced at the former co-op car park in Alexandra Road, Corby. NNL-160804-165942001

Driver Beth Edwards said: “I got one dated March 26. I thought you could park there free for half hour, the same as when it was Co-op.”

Another driver we spoke to, who didn’t want to be named, said: “I got a ticket. I understand there are charges now but we’ve been parking there for weeks and to suddenly change things, with no notice, seems a bit sneaky and a good way of making some quick cash.”

A Smart Parking spokesman said: “Smart Parking recently changed the tariffs at this car park.

“Ahead of doing this we instilled 29 new signs which cleanly state the new terms and conditions of use. This new signage is markedly different to the old signage in both colour and design. In addition, Smart Parking initiated a three-day crossover period before the new tariffs come into effect.

“We would remind any motorist to always check the terms and conditions of use at a private car park.”

Nobody from Co-op was available to comment.

Parking tickets issued by private companies used to be thought to be legally unenforceable and the advice was to ignore them. But last year the Supreme Court held that in certain circumstances the tickets were legally enforceable, so now the guidance is more complicated. You can find out more about how to challenge parking tickets in this guide by Martin Lewis

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