DRIVERS and traders at a small trading estate in the city are up in arms at car park ticketing chaos. 

For decades drivers enjoyed relaxed parking restrictions on Henwick Park car park, off Monarch Drive, which serves several businesses. 

But many are now being hit with £60 fines since new strict restrictions were introduced in the summer. 

One frustrated driver said he now cycles to the shops fearing he would be given a parking charge notice again.

Worcester News: SPOT: Mark Banner standing at the spot he parked atSPOT: Mark Banner standing at the spot he parked at (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)Mark Banner parked to pop into Tesco Express arriving at 12.24pm and leaving at 12.27pm on Saturday, October 21.

"Because it was full I parked in a place people have been parking for decades.

"There is room for another car, but no bay."

The Solitaire Avenue resident said text on the signs is too small and confusing to read.

Worcester News: SIGN: There have been complaints the text on a sign is hard to readSIGN: There have been complaints the text on a sign is hard to read (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"I will take it to court," he said.

"I'm 58 I have been coming here 45 years, supporting the local shops. If I have to pay it I will never use this car park ever again."

In late August, signs were put up informing drivers of new rules. 

They are:

  • A maximum stay of four hours
  • Drivers cannot park between 11.30pm and 5.30am
  • Drivers have to park "within the confines of a single marked parking bay"

But traders said customers moan they are fined for going over the line slightly and even for driving in and straight out when there are no spaces.

Staff at Posh Wash dry cleaning said they had been hit with four tickets which rise to £100 if not paid within 14 days. 

Worcester News: FINES: A number of drivers have been fined after parking on Henwick Park car parkFINES: A number of drivers have been fined after parking on Henwick Park car park (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

A staff member said: "People are getting tickets for no reason, it's ridiculous.

"We are trying to cancel ours.

"We wanted a camera because (nearby) residents were abusing the car park - but we don't want this.

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"It is going to affect all our businesses if it is not sorted."

Another trader, who did not want to be named, said: "We have had a lot of people coming in saying they have had tickets. 

Worcester News: SIGN: The signs which have been described as confusingSIGN: The signs which have been described as confusing (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"One of the rules is you have to go into one of the businesses but people have been fined even though they came in.

"The idea behind it might be a good one but the way it is being applied needs looking at."

Staff at Henwick Park Pet Supplies said there had been confusion it was their cameras on social media, stressing it was not them.

Johnson Fellows, the managing agent for the car park, said: "Car park management was implemented in September 2023 following feedback from the commercial tenants after receiving complaints about the abuse of the car park and customers not being able to park.

"We appointed an accredited operator to ensure the car park is managed efficiently.

"The operator ensures all signage and PCNs are issued in accordance with regulations and offers an online appeal process and further assistance with all PCNs issued."

UKPS, which manages the car park, was contacted for comment.