Private Parking Charge- overstaying in Supermarket car park during Covid-19 lockdown/social distance

Umkomaas

Scrapit said:

Umkomaas said:

kh904 said:

Snakes_Belly said:

I do hope that when this crisis is over some of these supermarkets consider managing their car parks themselves.  

I can't see that happening to be honest. I can see how it's far more convenient and cost effective to outsource the car park management to company that specialises in it, has the tech, admin, etc.

But, if people just read the signs when entering a car park and comply (such a simple process to build into the autopilot), PPCs go bust. It's a very uncomplicated equation. 

It's no where near as simple as that. If the ppc operates a pay to park scheme and everyone complies there is still plenty of profit in the business to make it more than sustainable.

Possibly in some of the larger car parks, but a huge number of cases we deal with here are from free to use, but time limited, bomb site or tiny car parks linked to a pub/hotel/surgery/small retailer or residential estates. The basic outlay on equipment to collect payments for such small parcels of land would make most non-viable. 

Not forgetting that revenue from most pay to park schemes usually goes to the landowner, not the PPC, they being more than content to provide signage and equipment foc, provided they can issue penalties. If there was more profit from the machines than from penalties, their business model would be so different.  They know where their bread is buttered!

Scrapit

Umkomaas said:

Scrapit said:

Umkomaas said:

kh904 said:

Snakes_Belly said:

I do hope that when this crisis is over some of these supermarkets consider managing their car parks themselves.  

I can't see that happening to be honest. I can see how it's far more convenient and cost effective to outsource the car park management to company that specialises in it, has the tech, admin, etc.

But, if people just read the signs when entering a car park and comply (such a simple process to build into the autopilot), PPCs go bust. It's a very uncomplicated equation. 

It's no where near as simple as that. If the ppc operates a pay to park scheme and everyone complies there is still plenty of profit in the business to make it more than sustainable.

Possibly in some of the larger car parks, but a huge number of cases we deal with here are from free to use, but time limited, bomb site or tiny car parks linked to a pub/hotel/surgery/small retailer or residential estates. The basic outlay on equipment to collect payments for such small parcels of land would make most non-viable. 

Not forgetting that revenue from most pay to park schemes usually goes to the landowner, not the PPC, they being more than content to provide signage and equipment foc, provided they can issue penalties. If there was more profit from the machines than from penalties, their business model would be so different.  They know where their bread is buttered!

The car park I'm challegening currently is small. And from my research it cost 24k to buy. The cheapest parking ticket you can buy is 1 pound. It certainly won't take long to recoup the purchase price of the whole car park. Yes I understand there are running costs etc. However this is a very viable business. Some car parks such as at pubs(usually with free on the road parking out side) certainly won't be viable but I suspect it's far from most. By a long way.

Snakes_Belly

The changes to the VCS/Excel car parks in Sheffield have caused issues. There was initially two hours free and then they changed to one hour free. Apparently this was not in the original contract with the landowner. You only have to look at Courtserve, Sheffield court and there are regularly VCS and Excel cases. 

IMO the best supermarket car parks in large towns are the pay and display that knock the money off the bill. You know where you stand.