Boxing Day sales shoppers face parking charges chaos

18 December 2009

Shoppers heading for the sales on Boxing Day were warned yesterday that the money they save on bargains could be wiped out by parking fines and clamping fees.

Widespread confusion is expected across the country because on-street parking restrictions and charges in city centres are usually lifted on December 26.

But with Boxing Day falling on a Saturday this year, it is not an official bank holiday - and many councils are planning to treat it as a normal day with traffic wardens out to maintain the usual parking rules.

Such is the confusion that cars parked in streets that lie on the border between different council areas could be targeted by traffic wardens, while others just yards away will not.

Half of all London boroughs say that controls will apply on Boxing Day this year, including many around shopping 'hot spots' such as Oxford Street and Kensington.

Other places expected to take the draconian line on parking charges include Liverpool, Brighton, Newcastle, Plymouth, Norwich and Glasgow.

As a result, shoppers who unwittingly think that restrictions have been lifted could face parking fines of £40 or as much as £200 if it is clamped or towed away.

This year, the bank holiday has been moved to Monday, December 28, when parking restrictions will be lifted by most authorities.

The AA said: 'There are some councils that do their best to milk as much as they can from drivers. There is real risk of people being caught out.

'I would urge people to appeal against fines if the rules are not clear.'

The British Shops and Stores Association said: 'It is absolutely ludicrous to hit people with parking fines on Boxing Day.'

Consumer Affairs Minister Kevin Brennan said: 'I would hope that councils show commonsense and restraint.

'Given that many consumers will not know Boxing Day is not an official bank holiday they will feel it is extremely unfair if they get a ticket.

Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk