Wrexham MS calls on UK Government to stop “unscrupulous practices of private car parking firms”

Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd is urging the UK Government to stop the “unscrupulous practices of private car parking firms”.

Lesley Griffiths MS made the comments in response to a call for evidence on a private parking code of practice.

The UK Government ran the survey “as part of plans to better regulate the private parking sector, including considering options for private parking charges (issued for a perceived breach of a car park’s rules) and debt recovery fees.”

Once introduced “the private parking code of practice will allow drivers to more easily challenge an unfair parking charge through a new independent appeals service, and all private parking operators will also have to follow the code.”

In a letter released on her social media accounts, Ms Griffiths shared her feedback on private parking issues at Island Green.

The Wrexham politician and Clwyd South MS Ken Skates have campaigned against Euro Car Parks, which runs the notorious city centre car park, after receiving complaints about unfair fines.

Issues Island Green have been ongoing for several years, however appear to have worsened in recent months, with many shoppers now choosing to boycott​ ‌the car park. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌‌‌​‍‌​‌​‌‌​​‍‌​​‌‌‌‌​‍‌​​​​‌‌​‍‌​‌​‌​‌‌‍‌​​‌​‌‌‌‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​​​​‌‌​‍‌​‌‌‌‌‌​‍‌​​​‌‌​‌‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌​‌​‌‌‍‌​​‌​‌‌‌‍‌​​‌​‌‌​‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​​​‌​​‌‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​​​‌‌​​

The pair had been due to meet the directors of Euro Car Parks over the summer, however the company pulled out at the last minute.

No further meeting has been scheduled.

In her letter, Ms Griffiths warned that the parking issues are causing “significant concern” to the remaining business on the shopping park.

Ms Griffiths said: “I write in my role as the Member of the Senedd for Wrexham and wish to highlight a significant issue that has affected my constituents for several years.

“Euro Car Parks (ECP) is a private company responsible for the daily running of the car park at Island Green Shopping Centre in Wrexham city centre.

“The car park has had a negative reputation for a considerable period but major problems first occurred in 2019 after ANPR cameras were first installed.

“Wrexham Central train station is located at Island Green and there were incidents that led people being fined £90 for train station drop-offs or pick-ups.

“Signage was later installed advising driers of a 20 minute grace period for drop-offs and collections.

“Problems subsided afterwards, largely due to the pandemic, but approximately a year ago, a familiar pattern emerged. Increase in fines, out of order and poorly maintained machines and accessibility for blue badge holders were the main issues constituents contacted me about.

“I wrote to ECP on numerous occasions and despite some success in getting parking charge notices overturned, many of my requests were ignored.

Lesley Griffiths MS and Ken Skates MS

“It appeared major keying errors was the overriding issue affecting constituents so I urged ECP to service their machines as a matter of urgency. This work, as far as I’m aware, was never undertaken.

“I also wrote to the Head of the British Parking Association, the Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council and all businesses operating at Island Green Shopping Centre.

“The issues were affecting both constituents and non-constituents. My colleague, Ken Skates MS, whose Clywd South constituency neighbours my Wrexham constituency, had also been inundated with complaints.

“In June 2023, Ken Skates MS and I arranged to meet with senior ECP representatives.

“The meeting was initially accepted but cancelled at the last minute with no explanation. Since then, any attempt to rearrange has been rejected or ignored and the company eventually revealed it could only communicate with elected representatives in writing – a situation I have never come across before.

“Following the cancellation, we wrote to Nuveen Real Estate, which ultimately owns Island Green Shopping Centre, requesting it terminates its relationshop with ECP.

“We have yet to receive a response from the company, despite numerous follow-ups.

“The situation is serious as two Island Green retailers recently anounced they are experiencing difficulties

“Asda Living closed its doors permanently in July 2023 and Wilkos entereed administration, with the Wrexham store closing last month.

“While national factors are obviously at play, I have little double the parking situation at Island Green has not helped matters locally.

“Dozens of constituents and non-constituents have informed me they avoid Island Green Shopping Centre altogether because of the parking problems.

“The businesses based at Island Green have also expressed their significant concerns. High streets are suffering as is is so creating further barriers that put people off shopping is nonsensical.

“This consultation could be the beginning of the end for these faceless, seemingly unaccountable firms.

“Both Ken Skates MS and I have encouraged our constituents to respond to this consultation in the hope it forces UK ministers to act.

“Despite the actions we have taken and the avenues we have exhausted, the problems at Island Green remain.

“Wrexham was awarded city status in May 2022 as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

“Coupled with the takeover of the football club by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, it is an area with an increasing profile.

“However the conduct of Euro Car Parks is driving people away from the city centre, particularly the shopping centre it mainly serves.

“I am certain Wrexham isn’t the only city or town which suffers from the unscrupulous practices of private car park firms. They wilfully choose to ignore their customers and I believe tightening the legislation and implementing greater regulation around these unprincipled companies is a cause worth pursing.”