Shopper hit with £100 parking fine after daughter crossed the road to use toilet

20 January 2024 , 10:02

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Many motorists who visit the St Ann Way retail park are being caught out by the sites strict parking regulations (Image: Carmelo Garcia)

A shopper claims she was slapped with a £100 parking fine 'because her daughter left a shopping centre to use a toilet across the road'.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, said she had parked to shop at Home Bargains at Gloucester's Peel Centre, but got fined when her mum and daughter crossed the road to use the toilets at the Quays.

Many drivers who visit the St Ann Way retail park are falling foul of the site's strict parking rules. There have been calls from customers and local leaders for site owners Peel to rethink their rules, as more shoppers getting parking fines could mean they'll go elsewhere to spend their cash.

The rules changed in the summer and now drivers who park there can only stay for a maximum of two hours. Colette Simpson was shocked to get a parking fine when she visited the retail park recently. She said she went there to do some shopping for her retired mum.

"My daughter needed the toilet so she took her across the road to the only public toilets we were aware of in the Gloucester Quays," she said. "I don't live in the area and my mother needed to get some medical supplies."

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"I was surprised to get the fine. However, I was told that the parking attendant observed us crossing the road and this is classed as leaving the site. I am not sure what evidence they actually have of us doing so. When I called they said that I am responsible to ensure that none of my passengers leave the site I am really not sure how this is fundamentally legal?

"On their website they advertise this as located next to one of the fastest growing outlet destinations and there is a pedestrian crossing and main entrance across the road and is owned by the same people I just don't understand this. Either put pay and display in both car parks or barriers or something to make people aware that the rules have been changed. It has definitely put me off ever coming to Gloucester to shop."

Peel and Ocean Parking have not responded to Gloucestershire Live's request for comment.

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Carmelo Garcia