"Smart" Parking fear

Pregocherry

I cant find this newbie stickie thread!

The_Slithy_Tove

Pregocherry wrote: »

I cant find this newbie stickie thread!

It was right there in front of you when you created this thread, at the top of the list of threads.

From here, find the "Forum Jump" link at the right of the page, or right at the bottom, and click the "Go" button. The list of threads will then appear, with the NEWBIES thread at or near the top.

You'll need to read it slowly and carefully, and probably more than once, as there's a lot there, and it takes a while to get your head round it all.

Redx

look below the RED writing at the top thread in this section

especially read the first post, then the POPLA post

appeal to smart as KEEPER using the template in blue, amending it accordingly but I say DO NOT ADMIT WHO WAS DRIVING

no point throwing away your POFA 2012 rights

complain to MATALAN CEO at head office , using the BB and the EA2010 and any store receipts or redacted bank statements as proof of patronage

fisherjim

I would complain like anything to Matalan, what's the use of saving money (allegedly) by shopping with them when you blow it with their scamming parking charges, which incidentally they seem very proud of!

http://www.smartparking.com/keep-up-to-date/press-releases/matalan-sets-new-standards-in-parking-service-quality-with-pay-walk-from-smart-parking

Without knocking the OP I still don't understand why BB holders always assume they get free parking everywhere!

Marktheshark

This out of town shopping because of the "free parking" dream has turned in to a complete nightmare has it not ?

Pregocherry

I dont assume I get it everywhere! I usually dont use this particular store and have never come across paid parking at the other Matalan stores I frequent!

Pregocherry

It certainly has!

Redx

Pregocherry wrote: »

I dont assume I get it everywhere! I usually dont use this particular store and have never come across paid parking at the other Matalan stores I frequent!

BB isnt valid on private land, only the EA2010

in future, to avoid charges check the rules when you park anywhere at all, by checking the signage

if you dont, you will fall victim to these sc@msters at hospitals, supermarkets , retail parks, airports and many other venues

some Matalan stores now need you to put your VRN into a machine inside the store

in some cases they do not own the car park at all, its somebody else that engages the private parking scumpanies

be careful with the Peel centre too , plus KFC there , and the B&M across the road

do the research and you can avoid the charges (like I do as a fellow BB holder)

Half_way

Pregocherry wrote: »

Thanks, they have big handwritten signs at the entrance stating that they DO NOT DEAL WITH PARKING FINE COMPLAINTS IN STORE, would it be a waste of time to complain to them?

Take a picture of that sign, it may come in use later.

Also you should disregard it, as mentioned, they will probably trot out the old they will probably try the nothing to do with us, we contract our parking out to smart you will have to contact them.
However as they have taken smart on as their agents they should instruct their agents to cancel the charge immediately especially as there is an EA act aspect to this.

It all depends on what you want to do: fight it, and make it as awkward as possible for Matalan, or just make it go away ( in which case others may end up falling victim after you )

System

Write your letter to Smart and if you want hand it in personally.

You have protected characteristics and you require Smart to sort it.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/discrimination/what-are-the-different-types-of-discrimination/harassment/

Matalan cannot outsource their statutory responsibilites. The issue has been covered ad nauseum in Thornton v Shoe Lane Parking.

Write a nice letter. Point out this is harassment of a person with protected characteristics and you are not accepting their attempts to either abuse you or ignore you.