NCP corrects misleading signs after MCN investigation

Misleading parking signs which told motorcyclists they had to pay have been clarified following an MCN investigation.

We revealed in December how car park giant NCP had effectively introduced an unlawful parking charge by telling riders they must pay to use spaces in council car parks which should be free.

The firm, which runs car parks for dozens of local authorities, had put up signs saying: “Motorcycles must pay normal tariff.”

The signs have now been changed to say: “Free of charge in dedicated motorcycle bays, otherwise normal tariff applies.”

On the old signs, the only clue we could park for free in motorcycle bays were the words “See item 5 in TRO” in brackets, a reference to the relevant local bylaw. 

But when we phoned a customer service number given on misleading signs at a number of car parks in Reading, Berkshire, we were repeatedly told we had to pay, even in motorcycle bays.

When we asked what “See item 5 in TRO” meant, staff said they didn’t know. 

Now the firm has said: “NCP can confirm that the signage in all the Reading car parks, where we have designated motorcycle bays, has been amended since this issue arose last time, in order to avoid any confusion on the part of our customers.

“The signage now makes clear that there is no charge for parking in designated motorcycle bays. The normal tariff does, however, apply if the motorcyclist wishes to park in a normal car parking bay.” 

“We will continue to work closely with our customer services team to make sure they are fully briefed and able to answer any customer questions regarding this matter.

“As a normal part of its business operations, NCP conducts an ongoing review of all signage nationwide in its car parks to ensure that there is nothing which causes confusion to any of our customers.”