Mum's fury at parking fine
AN angry motorist who had to fork out almost £500 after her car was towed away said it was then dumped miles from her Exeter home.
Sharon Jewell parked in Maplin store car park overnight unaware of the restrictions. Her vehicle was subsequently clamped and then towed from the Haven Road store.
The 38-year-old, who lives in Exwick, said she accepts she was initially in the wrong – but was still staggered that the bill for her mistake and to get her car back was £465.
And her misery was further compounded after discovering her car had been left at Matford Park Road, near the livestock centre, late at night with a flat battery.
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It is understood the car was originally left on land that is patrolled by Premier Park Ltd and restrictions come into force at 9am.
Ms Jewell said: "As soon as I made the payment the company completely ignored me. I was initially told they would return my car home to me but when I hadn't heard anything I chased them up and was told my car had been left at Matford at 10pm that evening.
"I had to walk and get a taxi from my home at 10.30pm and then try to find my car.
"I then discovered it had been dumped on double yellow lines and had a flat battery.
"It is ridiculous and I am so furious about it. I am planning on seeing the Citizen's Advice Bureau to see if there is anything I can do about it."
She added: "I admit I made a mistake parking at Maplin, but I did not see the signs because it was dark and had been told by people I know it would be OK leaving my car there. It was not blocking anything.
"I had to part with a lot of money to get my car back so for them to just dump it in this way is disgraceful. I am a single parent and don't earn a lot of money.
"Nearly £500 seems an extortionate amount of money for a parking error.
"But to then have to travel from Exwick on my own at that time of night has just compounded things.
"It is absolutely shocking and I cannot believe they can get away with it."
After being contacted with details of Ms Jewell's complaint by the Echo, Premier Park Ltd said there was no one available to comment.
Comments
by peteusa
Monday, September 10 2012, 3:58AM
“Sharon: I dont think 'not seeing any signs' or parking there because a friend said it 'was okay' will wash with the Citizens Advice Bureau. I do think though that they should have left the car where it was 'clamped' and not moved it to where they did. You can bet they were'nt all that gentle in moving your vehicle, and depending on what method they used could have easily distorted the chassis of the vehicle!
The issue with this company seems to have been going on for ever, but it still seems they can do what they like, they couldnt give a sh*t, and are above the law. It appears to me that the 'enforcers' for this company are nothing but a bunch of would be hard b*stards, who aren't up to he job as being bouncers at local clubs, so they work for a company to pick on you and many other people who find themselves in similar situations.
Admit the wrongdoing regarding parking advice, but fight the removal of your car to the dinghy poorly lit area that you eventually had to go to to recover it. Your car should have remained clamped where it was, not dragged by some crude method to where you eventually collected it, so that you'd probably pick up a second violation on top of the original violation!!
Good luck with your next move, but I dont think this company can make the second phase of their activities stick.
Pete C. Arizona USA”
by blondehunnie
Monday, September 10 2012, 2:12AM
“well wow is me!!!!!!!!!!! you would certainly fit in working for premier parking with that mental attitude
you have no idea how she managed to pay maybe friend family ect helped her . if you actually did research on premier parking you would see that they are just a money grabbing company that make peoples lives difficult ok so she made a mistake where she parked but really 500 pounds worth then to move her car where she would then have to try get it and even leave it on DOUBLE YELLOW LINES OH SO THEN GIVE HER ANOTHER TICKET JUST ABOUT SOMES THEM UP .AND YOU THINK YOU SO PERFECT NO ONES PERFECT IN THIS WORLD WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES”
by roverdale
Saturday, September 08 2012, 8:48PM
“The secret is out. If you wish to get rid of an old banger, park it at Maplins carpark - disposal is free.”
by Juan11_1
Saturday, September 08 2012, 7:38PM
“This company clearly has a long and questionable history. Despite this, among its client are Exeter City Council, Clark's Village, Pets at Home, Multiyork, Staples and Macdonalds. Those who object to the actions of Premier Park should let these organisations know what they think of the company they have employed - and perhaps shop elsewhere.”
by GSH82
Saturday, September 08 2012, 3:08PM
“Anyone who is clamped should issue county court proceedings against the landowner and the clamping firm.....
http://tinyurl.com/bqwd2jz”
by hastleonards
Thursday, September 06 2012, 8:34PM
“Hmmm - Why did she park in Maplin's carpark? Was she going for a few drinks in the Harvester or possibly on the quay? I could be wrong.....”
by exeterresi
Thursday, September 06 2012, 6:35PM
“I dont see how ms Jewells income is relevant to anthing, the point being made is that the company (premier parking, whom if you google and search on companies house have a reputation worthy of watchdog.)
The point here is the way the car was given back, and the FACT that PP late at night, put the car in a secluded area, well away from ms Jewells house, further more the scumbags put it on their own patch where the car was likley to get a ticket or be towed by themselves AGAIN!!”
by woe_is_me1
Thursday, September 06 2012, 12:50PM
“Bleat bleat bleat. If you're a single parent on low earnings, why not get rid of the car? Just a thought - it's your right of course but you don't seem to be able to read fairly obvious signs (a lack of daylight is not an excuse) so your awareness of important road signs would be a massive concern to sensible road users like myself.
Still, your ability to pay £500 to get your car back clearly demonstrates low earnings does not equal low income. I couldn't afford it.
I take it from Ms Jewell's absolute shock and disbelief that she doesn't take notice of the plethora of similar articles that appear in these parts. If there weren't so many fools around, Premier Parking wouldn't exist.”