An angry driver has raised the alarm after he was slapped with an ‘unfair’ fine following a trip to Morrisons.
The frustrated motorist took to social media on April 11 calling the car park cameras “borderline fraudulent” after he was slapped with a £100 fine following a visit to the Morrisons store and petrol station in High Wycombe.
SJ Machrihanish parked on the Morrisons car park managed by Euro Car Parks before spending one hour and 15 minutes inside the store for lunch and shopping, followed by 46 minute wait in the queue to the petrol station car wash.
He was aware the store had changed the permitted parking time limit from three hours to two in 2020, which he thought was “not unreasonable” to make parking available for customers.
Thinking he had exited the car park area and its ANPR cameras with 45 minutes to spare when he drove a short distance from the car park to the petrol station he was “surprised” to get a £100 fine for overstaying.
He discovered the ANPR camera is located on Parker Knoll Way after the petrol station rather than at the car park exit.
READ MORE: Bucks Council responds to claims they're making money through ANPR
He said: “For Euro Car Parks to include the petrol station and car wash as being part of the car park is disingenuous at best and maybe you might call it borderline fraudulent when the sign only says you have to vacate the car park before two hours, and not Morrisons entire land.”
He was furious Morrisons had allowed the car parking company to locate the camera in “such nonsensical place.”
Following his complaint to Morrisons head office, his fine was reportedly cancelled because he is a “much valued customer,” a message from Morrisons customer service allegedly said.
Morrisons also advised him customers could ask store staff or the Customer Service Desk for extra shopping time.
However, Mr Machrihanish said the reply showed “a contempt for their customers who become victims of Euro Car Parks’ incompetence or dodgy practices.”
“That is in stark contrast to the cheery and professional service that the Wycombe branch staff provide on the front line,” he added.
Other shoppers expressed their anger following his post on a High Wycombe Facebook group.
Hannah Walsh claimed she received a fine after eating at Morrisons café before queueing for more than an hour at the car wash.
“Had I known the £2.99 car wash would end up costing me £60, I wouldn't have bothered waiting! I entered an appeal with Euro Car Parks but it's been rejected,” she said.
Morrisons and Euro Car Parks were contacted for a comment.
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