LISTEN ¦ Callers angry over parking tickets at Belfast's Abbey Centre

Statement:

NewRiver REIT, owners of Abbey Centre, Newtownabbey are aware of issues in relation to the management of parking at the site, and specifically, Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) that have been issued for the period 19 February – 14 March 2018, for stays of a period of under four hours. NewRiver apologise for the problems and inconvenience caused as a result of this.

Smart Parking and NewRiver, identified that the initial system provision required refining and, as such, both parties have been working together in order to fully identify and address this issue. NewRiver would like to reassure customers who have received a PCN, for under a four hour period, and who have not yet paid that, for the period specified above, those PCNs have been cancelled. If customers have already paid the PCN, for under a four hour period, then we would ask that they follow the Smart Parking Appeals Process, requesting that their PCN be reviewed (further details can be found on the Smart Parking website or on your original PCN).

A letter will be addressed to all who received a PCN but stayed for less than the stipulated four hour period and who have not paid, during the period in question, confirming the cancellation.

Emma Mackenzie, Director at NewRiver REIT commented:

“We are very aware of the initial issues that have arisen following the introduction of Parking management at Abbey Centre.

“We would like to sincerely apologise to all of those who have been issued PCNs’’.

“We are working closely with our chosen provider and the Abbey Centre on-site team to rectify the problems and can confirm that all PCNs issued from 19 February – 14 March 2018, for stays of a period of under four hours, will be cancelled. If customers have already paid the PCN for under a four hour period, then we would ask that they follow the Smart Parking Appeals Process, requesting that their PCN be reviewed.

“To help remedy this situation, a temporary Parking attendant is now on site who will be able to answer any queries customers have in relation to parking.

“Once again we would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused to our shoppers."