Problem with parking system
9:38am Thursday 4th October 2001
I was amazed recently when walking to my car in Calderwood car park, in Woolwich, to find I was being given a ticket.
There was plenty room, I was not blocking anyone and was under 10 minutes late.
I am happy to read about the council's efforts to revive Woolwich shopping centre, but it is difficult to offer support if one is treated in such a draconian manner.
If I pay the fine perhaps the council could put it towards installing a fair system of paying at the car park.
One doesn't have to be a transport expert to notice an automatic pay barrier at the exit is fairer than the current arrangement. Paying on the way out means you don't have to guess how long you are going to spend queuing up at the shops. It also means you can't dodge having to pay.
I would like to know what all these £30/£60 fines are being spent on, other than to employ parking policemen.
Perhaps it could be used to install doors which can be negotiated while pushing a full trolley or a buggy. Or to provide a safe area to turn right into the car park.
It's no wonder there is always plenty of parking at Calderwood car park. I expect there may now be one more vacant space.
Anna Pinsent
Cantwell Road
Plumstead