Yahoo News Trafford Centre shoppers fury over 'joke' parking prices for new 'premium' section
Shoppers at the Trafford Centre are up in arms after the mall's management confirmed the pricing for its new "Premium Parking" zone.
The sought-after shopping venue has allocated a section of its car park, near Selfridges, for its inaugural paid parking service, which features larger spaces. The launch date for this Premium Parking is set for next Wednesday, November 27, and the full price list has raised eyebrows.
On weekdays, the rate begins at £4 per hour, while the weekend tariff starts at a steep £7 an hour at the Trafford Centre. The hourly rate decreases with longer stays, maxing out at £14 for up to 12 hours on weekdays and £21 for the same duration on weekends.
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Despite introducing paid parking, the Trafford Centre continues to offer 11,500 free parking spots across its 18 car parks. The centre's management claims that the Premium Parking option is intended to "elevate the experience" for shoppers who don't mind paying more for the convenience of wider bays, suitable for larger vehicles like SUVs and family cars, the M.E.N reports.
Nonetheless, the announcement of these parking fees has sparked a backlash since our report last night. Social media users took to Facebook to express their outrage over the fees, with a clear consensus that few are willing to fork out for the premium service.
Kerry Wright commented: "It's a joke those prices" and Ashley Huyton added: "£7 an hour they having a giraffe wowwwww."
Craig Suddery stated: "Definitely not paying for parking if spending money in the shops as well should be free."
Tracey Bonney argued: "Who would want to actually "Choose" to pay when you could "Choose" a free parking bay? " Lynda Wells commented: "That won't encourage shoppers to stay longer and spend more."
Stuart Hall expressed his frustration simply: "I would rather boil my own head! " However, Ste Boswell urged people to keep things in perspective, saying: "So many people upset by a few spaces. Just park somewhere else. Oh no you have to walk a few extra yards. Boo hoooo". Marie Convery suggested: "Parking is mental around there maybe paying will make people think of other travel options."
Donna Yan complained: "It's way too congested with shoppers now. Even the usual quieter days are overcrowded. Not a pleasant place to shop anymore. Premium parking, pffff! " Many voiced concerns that this was the "thin end of the wedge" that could see the Trafford Centre charge for parking across more of the site - but this is a claim that has been refuted by the mall.
When asked if more pay-for parking was planned, a spokesperson told the MEN: "There are no plans for further parking charges to be rolled out across the centre's other car parks."
Kevin Guyatt warned: "Here we go how long till you have to pay for all parking, thin edge of the wedge they really do take people for mugs how deep is your pocket".
Jonathan Sedgwick commented: "And there we have it....The start of the end of the out of town phenomena. Town centres have died as greedy councils killed the golden goose and charged a small fortune to park. The birth of the accessible shops, free parking and away from the town centre congestion was born and now the circle is about to be complete as each one follows and the golden goose is slowly strangled again!".
Owen Sumner offered his perspective on the situation at the Trafford Centre, particularly noting the strategic placement of the Premium Parking area. He remarked: "Was bound to creep in to stop it becoming a park and ride to Manchester... free parking and tram terminus."
Reassuring shoppers, Trafford Centre management has confirmed that complimentary car parking will continue to be available throughout the centre's 18 car parks, which boast 11,500 free spaces.
In addition to the introduction of Premium Parking, the centre has seen improvements to its upper and lower car parks, including the creation of over 100 new accessible parking bays, all aimed at enhancing the parking experience at Trafford Centre, according to officials.
A spokesperson for the Trafford Centre stated: "We're constantly looking for ways to improve and elevate the experience for our guests, so our Premium Parking offering will adopt the latest in parking technology to provide the best service, giving people the option to elevate their visit with a convenient, premium parking location."
"We have always been incredibly proud of the centre's vast free parking offering, and this will continue. The new initiative is intended to offer added value for those who choose to use it and will have no impact on those who wish to continue parking for free."
There are also additional perks for customers using the valet services at the centre. It has been announced that customers opting for valet parking (£25) or various enhanced car cleaning services via H20 Car Valeting, will pay a flat fee with a full day's Premium Parking included in the price, depending on the service they select.
Gillian Moss expressed that the valet offer might entice her to visit. She stated: "If I'm reading this correctly it's £25 on a weekend ( inflated price at weekend) with all day parking AND car valet.....I think that's very reasonable tbh...yes if you stay for just one hour it's a tad high but this has both positives and negatives in my opinion."
The complete price list for Premium Parking:
Up to 1 hr - £ 4 - £ 7.
Up to 2 hrs - £ 8 - £ 12.
Up to 3 hrs - £ 10 - £ 15.
Up to 6 hrs - £ 12 - £ 18.
Up to 12hrs - £ 14 - £ 21.
