Call to end parking 'confusion' at Chesterfield's Ravenside and Markham retail parks

Chesterfield’s MP has called for an end to the ‘confusion’ over parking policies at two retail parks in the town.
Tim Paget
By Tim Paget
Published 4th Mar 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 5th Mar 2020, 15:11 BST
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Toby Perkins recently met with UKCPS Ltd, the company that manages the car park at Ravenside Retail Park, and issued guidance to drivers using the site.

Now the Labour MP says he also has concerns about parking at nearby Markham Retail Park and says ‘confusion’ continues to surround tickets and appeals at both sites.

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He said it was vital the latest government legislation on parking was brought in uniformly as soon as possible.

Ravenside Retail Park car park in Chesterfield.Ravenside Retail Park car park in Chesterfield.
Ravenside Retail Park car park in Chesterfield.

“The confusion regarding parking tickets and appeals at Markham Retail Park and Ravenside Retail Park shows why it is important that the Parking (Code Of Practice) Act 2019 is fully-implemented as quickly as possible,” Mr Perkins said.

MORE: New warning over parking at Chesterfield's Ravenside Retail Park

“Here we have two car parks right next to each other with different parking rules, different appeals processes and different bodies overseeing them.

“The Parking Code of Practice should see one authority brought in to oversee all private car parks and introduce one appeals process. That appeals body must be independent of, not dependent on the people they are overseeing in order to build confidence that the system is not just an expensive racket.

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Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins.Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins.
Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins.

“It will also see clearer rules introduced regarding car park rules and the evidence needed before a ticket can be applied to a motorist.

MORE: Chesterfield town centre Co-op Food store to close

“I have again raised this in Parliament via a Written Question to urge the government to implement the new code of practice as quickly as possible.

“I respect the right of car park owners to ensure that their customers abide by the rules set, but the industry has much to do to rid itself of its image as one where sharp practices and trickery are commonplace.”

Currently, UKCPS appeals from Ravenside Retail Park go to the IAS (Independent Appeals Service), but appeals for Markham Retail Park go to POPLA (Parking on Private Land Appeals).

Last year, Chesterfield resident Philip Court told us he had been fined despite ‘not leaving the site’ at Ravenside Retail Park at any stage.

Related topics:Chesterfield