The increasingly thuggish attitude of Kinnoull Street car park operators Smart Parking has been slammed by MSP Murdo Fraser, who has warned that the company’s approach may be damaging Perth’s reputation.
Smart Parking have been under fire for months from local politicians, and others, in relation to the number plate recognition system at Kinnoull Street car park, with claims that large numbers of penalty tickets have been incorrectly issued.
Now increasing numbers of Murdo Fraser’s constituents have been in contact with him to complain that they are being pursued by a debt recovery company for charges of £160, despite having done nothing wrong.
The MSP believes that this is unacceptable practice, and could even deter visitors to Perth.
Murdo Fraser said:
“Earlier this year I was myself the victim of an incorrectly issued penalty notice at Kinnoull Street, which I challenged. Since then I have been deluged with complaints both from local constituents and from people from all across Scotland who similarly have been incorrectly charged.
“More recently I have had a spate of individuals contact me who have been hit with a £160 charge which a debt recovery company is seeking to have paid on behalf of Smart Parking. Almost every day I receive at least one more such case.
“Given all the negative publicity that Smart Parking has had over its system at Kinnoull Street, it is simply unbelievable that the company is bringing in a debt recovery agency and is trying to claim the extortionate sum of £160 from individuals. This thuggish behaviour does the reputation of Smart Parking no good, but I am concerned that it will damage Perth’s reputation more generally. Already numerous individuals have told me they will not be using the Kinnoull Street car park again, which clearly puts pressure on other parking areas in and around the city.
“I do not want to see people avoiding Perth city centre because of the disgraceful behaviour of a company like Smart Parking.
“I have advised all individuals hit with a £160 claim not to pay this. I have not heard of anyone being taken to court for recovery of this sum, and I believe it would be very difficult for Smart Parking to successfully make a case, but I can understand why individuals are worried when they are hit with a fee of this nature.
“I wrote to Smart Parking some months ago seeking a meeting with them to discuss the problems at Kinnoull Street. I have not had the courtesy of a reply to that letter. I would again call on them to meet with me to discuss the issue. Matters cannot go on as they are.”