Local Councillor stands up to 'car park bullies'

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 7th Mar 2008

Cllr Paul Scriven at the Broomhill Shopping Centre rooftop car park

A local Sheffield councillor is taking a stand against an aggressive private car park company who, local people claim, are driving people away from a local shopping centre due to the overzealous and unfair issuing of fines and charges. Cllr Paul Scriven, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Broomhill has been inundated with letters from local people complaining about 'Excel Parking', who operate the car park above Somerfield supermarket in Broomhill.

Examples of unfairness include a fine being issued for the number zero instead of the letter 'o' being entered as the registration number, false claims for a fine over a month after the event and fines handed out despite the ticket machine being broken.

In addition to this, Excel Parking have been attempting to charge £10 for a 'cancellation fee' when they have agreed not to pursue a fine.

After taking the matter up and writing to Excel Parking asking them to review their practices, Cllr Scriven has been threatened with legal action. Paul believes that it is essential the issue is resolved in order to make Broomhill a more attractive shopping area for local people.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Sheffield City Council and local Councillor for Broomhill, said: -

"Some of the instances in which people have been given fines and charges are unfair and unacceptable. It's clear that this parking company is trying to take advantage of local people."

"They are using aggressive tactics against local people and they are trying to do the same to me for speaking out. But Excel Parking's bully boy tactics will not intimidate me in trying to make them change the way they operate."

"This issue is much wider than just the car park, it's about keeping Broomhill as an attractive and vibrant place to visit and shop. People have been saying that they will no longer shop in Broomhill due to the unfair actions of these car park bullies - things need to change."