BASINGSTOKE residents have hit out at a parking company, after receiving £100 fines for parking at St Michael’s Retail Park.

Parking Control Management (UK) Limited, who operate the car park located off The Harrow Way, have set a maximum stay of 30 minutes in the area near to Nando’s, Costa, and Greggs, with no return within one hour.

Extended stays can result in £100 fines, which must be paid within 28 days.

Some customers feel this is an unfair limit, particularly given extra time taken by coronavirus safety measures.

They have also pointed out that the signs state the time limit in proportionately small writing.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she was helping her daughter-in-law appeal the “ridiculous” fine she was sent.

“She is very stressed about this, I am so annoyed for her,” she said.

“It is a lot of money, especially when on maternity pay.

“Facebook is rife with people who have been caught out on more than one occasion because fines are taking 11 days to come in the post, £100 each time.

“Signs are very small print, not clear, and entrance signs are poor as well.

“Especially at this time, with Covid, extra restrictions, queuing and scanning apps, sanitising, etcetera. How can they justify these charges?”

Another couple were surprised when they were sent a parking ticket in the post, ten days after going to Nando’s for dinner.

“The only thing cheeky about our Nando’s was this random parking ticket,” they said.

“We assumed parking was free as is usually the case in retail parks, or at least complimentary for a sensible amount of time to enjoy a chicken wrap, for example.

“We had parked there a couple of times before to go shopping or to Nando’s and hadn’t experienced any problems.

“I’d urge anyone visiting St Michael’s Retail Park to be aware of the 30 minute limit when parking there.

“We will pay the fine because we should have checked but we hope other diners won’t get caught out.”

PMC UK Ltd. has been contacted for comment by The Gazette.