Action taken at DL1 Feethams car park in Darlington

Feethams Car Park at the DL1 complex in the town has been the centre of complaints from motorists who have used the car park and been fined. 

Following complaints, action has now been taken after Darlington MP Lola McEvoy met with representatives involved in the car park and has agreed on a range of initial measures to combat the high number of fines at the site.

The sign at DL1 Feethams in Darlington (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) After discussions with Excel representatives, the MP has received assurances that a new contactless payment system will be installed at the site within weeks.

This is intended to address issues that many customers had reported with the app required to make payment previously, and with internet connectivity issues.

This promises to address some of the other issues that have led to customers receiving fines and further enforcement action, including:

• Clear signage highlighting any time limits on payment
• A £70 cap on overdue payment fees
• Additional steps to ensure letters have actually been delivered to people before any enforcement action can begin against them
• Greater consideration for drivers with accessibility issues

As the parking industry is currently self-regulated, Ms McEvoy will be regularly monitoring feedback in the coming months to ensure Excel’s actions match these commitments and that the situation improves for drivers. 

She urges Darlington residents to continue sharing their experiences with her by email so she is aware of any issues that arise.

Darlington's DL1 (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) As well as a meeting with the International Parking Community (IPC), an industry group representing Excel and other parking companies, Ms McEvoy also said that she has held constructive discussions with DL1 owners Columbia Threadneedle and site managers Workman LLP about how the experience can be further improved.

Ms McEvoy said: “I have received assurances that Excel Parking will follow these new industry guidelines, which in my view should improve drivers’ experience at DL1. 

“Some of the cases brought to my attention are shocking and must not be repeated. I will continue to monitor feedback from residents and businesses to ensure this is the case.

“I will also maintain constructive contact with all DL1 stakeholders I have spoken with to identify any further measures to improve to ensure our motorists are treated fairly. 

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“I would like to thank the many residents who have raised their cases with me over the past two months. They have all been reviewed and this information has allowed me to pursue change armed with your evidence. Where there are outstanding issues I will continue to investigate them. 

“I'm pleased that the IPC has committed to work with me on challenging unfair parking fines, so if you are a Darlington constituent and have any negative experiences with car parking fees please do email me: Lola.McEvoy.mp@parliament.uk.”

Will Hurley, CEO of the International Parking Community, added: “I feel very positive after meeting with Darlington’s MP Lola McEvoy.  I can share that our work is leading to swift and practical changes that will be implemented shortly.”