I received a charge after parking at a doctors surgery during my job as a support worker for disabled adults. We’ve always parked there, the lady I support was using the adjacent pharmacy. I didn’t realise fines now on operation. Appealed, rejected so I paid the fine. Next received a demand from a debt collector for 170 pounds, Stating I hadn’t paid, then when I complained to the surgery I’ve received nothing in reply. The next was a letter saying the debt collection letter was an error and a copy of the charge again, but I’ve paid can clearly see it on my banking app. I’ve written to them again today and I’ve lodged an appeal with the British parking association. With all the details and a copy of my bank statement showing the cheque. They are investigating, I suggest others do the same, it’s free to do.
MJ
Mr John F.
Smart Parking- Not smart for motorists!
Smart Parking have exposed themselves as nothing but money grabbing criminals. On Wednesday 11th May 2022 we visited the Ship Pub @ 12 Bull Ring, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5HU. As we approached the car park entrance we passed 2 large sign boards mounted on the car park wall which state "FREE PARKING FOR PUB PATRONS." We therefore parked behind the pub, went in and bought drinks. We left after 53 minutes. Ten days later we got a parking charge demand in the post which was headed Smart Parking. We raised a query about this with the management of the pub but they were less than helpful other than saying they knew of people using the pub getting caught by the fact the car park is owned by Smart Parking! Why didn't they tell us about this entrapment when they were gladly taking our money for drinks whilst we were parked in their signposted "FREE CAR PARK?" We did appeal but guess what? They rejected it! They said the signage was very clear? Anyone in or visiting Horncastle should if in a vehicle avoid that pub because you will end up paying over £100 for your drinks as a result of that scam! We did go back to the car park on foot after getting the parking charge notification to investigate where is their signage which they claim is there, we saw none? We then found the Smart Parking sign laid in the grass ! How the owners / tennants of the pub and Smart Parking sleep at night is a total mystery? AVOID at all costs!
WM
walter M.
public beware this company is dangerous
public beware this company is total disgrace and the law backs them if you ever see a sign saying a car park is run by smart parking do not use it or be very very careful most big stores now use them and i for 1 will not shop in a supermarket who employ this so called company they do not even give any Disabled rights in car parks so the stores are as much to blame as smart parking are one of biggest is home bargains and they boast we don't give any lea way for Disabled but they will let you spend in there shops smart parking will not even tell me who owns the car park i got fine for parking 10 mins over time as my wife took ill along road from car park and we are both Disabled pensioners they do not understand the meaning of customer services they just sit back and live the hiegh life on good peopls money
AN
Andrew
SmartParking is an absolute disgrace
SmartParking is an absolute disgrace. I parked to help my Ukrainian refugees with their visas. I entered my car details into the system but SmartParking claims never to have seen them. So I have a £100 fine, which they upheld when I appealed! Something seriously wrong with the leadership of this company. Should not be licensed.
AT
ATrollz
'SMART' PARKING? - WHAT A JOKE, NOTHING SMART ABOUT IT!!
My 18 year old son was looking for somewhere to watch football with his friends. He arrived at a pub with Smart Parking (big mistake!) - he did what everyone would do, looked at the signs and attempted to download the app because that was the only way to pay. He spent just over 10 minutes trying to download the app but failed due to bad internet connection so he left the car park having never parked and having never actually left his car. Shortly afterwards, he receives a parking ticket. When he called me to tell me, I said "don't worry, they will understand, we'll write an appeal later, you were only there a few minutes........" so that evening, he gave me a copy of the PCN and immediately, I could see it wasn't a local council parking ticket and I thought maybe we would have a problem here as I've heard about these kind of parking 'companies' before and how they don't care what the circumstances are as they are only in it for the money..... however, we wrote an appeal explaining the situation and any normal person would think that that was fair and that he hadn't actually parked as he wasn't there long enough but no, the appeal failed and their letter which stated that they were within their rights blah blah blah just ranted on about signage and how there was plenty of it and he should have taken note before he drove in but that wasn't even the issue - he couldn't download the app! they never even acknowledged that fact and who downloads the app before they drive in?! My son is in the middle of A levels and isn't currently earning so that fine is now down to yours truly. Anyway, he's learnt a lesson there - never go in a car park if you see the words 'Smart Parking' anywhere near it because they don't give 2 shiny sh***s about anyone. I am currently spreading the word and telling everyone I know in the local area to avoid that car park and any other car park related to this poor excuse for a company. If they ever bother to read this review (which they won't obviously), they would probably find it highly amusing - they probably get some sort of a kick out of upsetting people. I agree with all the other reviews - one star is way too much for these rip off merchants but alas there is not an option for no stars (there should be) - what a great way to make money if you have no decent morals! Maybe I could do that too? No, I couldn't live with myself - I'd rather go and get a proper job.....
AS
Atan S.
disgusting company no ethics
disgusting company no ethics. I got the relevant evidence to show that I was permitted to park and still got a fine.
FYI this is company in new zeland according to their 2018 accounts are looking to grow their market and revenue. Public information- the ceo is Paul Gillespie based in New Zealand and accountant is Richard Ludbrrok who according to his LinkedIn profile wants to make a difference - by ripping people and lining his pockets.
Pete wishart mp had to have one person employed to help residents with appeals. Company number in Scotland is sci38255. Accounts in 2018 made £25M. That’s lots of £170. They don’t care. Firm believer in what goes around comes around.
CU
Customer
As awful as they come
As awful as they come. Unable to do their job properly, borderline scam. They'll try to charge you parking fines even after you provide the evidence that you should not be charged as you were a customer of the pub on that day. Their online appeal system conveniently doesn't work most of the time, so your only option would be to call a 0845 number at your expense. Don't do that though, because first of all the wait is ridiculous and secondly they don't actually care what you have to say and what evidence you have. It's a joke that smartparking is member of any official parking body, and their status should be reviewed immediately.
MH
Miss H.
Absolutely disgraceful company
Absolutely disgraceful company, I parked in my doctor surgery car park or so I thought as I was experiencing very bad ear infection, I have only just received this parking ticket and the 14 days are almost up, I have paid now because I don't have time to look into this,I will never use the smart parking car parks,everyone please don't use them.