‘Hundreds of parking fines issued in error’

Hundreds of parking fines have been issued in error to drivers who left their cars outside an establishment that calls itself ‘the best pub in Hemel Hempstead’.
The sign outside of The Paper Mill, and one of the fines erroneously issued to a customer for using the car park outside of itThe sign outside of The Paper Mill, and one of the fines erroneously issued to a customer for using the car park outside of it
The sign outside of The Paper Mill, and one of the fines erroneously issued to a customer for using the car park outside of it

Angry customers have been visiting, phoning and emailing The Paper Mill in Apsley on a near constant basis to complain about the error.

Signs outside of the pub say its customers can park there for free for up to four hours - if they log the details of their car to staff.

But it is now thought that more than 150 tickets were issued erroneously in October by Parking Eye, which recently took over management of its car park. They demand £100 each.

In an email to the pub copied into the HeraldExpress, regular customer Rob Taylor said several of the people he knows have been caught out.

He said: “In just one morning, Parking Eye has successfully lost you all future custom of no fewer than eight adults.

“Each of us is now very unlikely to return, but highly likely to share our shocking experiences with everyone we know.”

A spokesman from Fuller’s, which owns the pub, said the problem is also affecting bar staff – and she herself had been sent a fine in the post.

But she confirmed that letters cancelling the fines will be sent out by Parking Eye.

She said: “There has been an issue with the system over a short period of time and Parking Eye is currently working to resolve it.

“In the meantime, we have been informed that Parking Eye will not be sending out any more tickets or chaser letters until the issue is resolved.

“Although we are not responsible for the car park, we would like to apologise for any inconvenience.”

She said the matter will be addressed to ensure customers can ‘safely use the car park’ in future.

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