Gym Member at Stourport Manor Hotel Hit with Parking Fine Chaos

Gabriella Woolfenden joined a gym at Stourport Manor Hotel in November last year and subsequently received numerous parking fines. Smart Parking is responsible for managing the car park at the hotel.

Gabriella, a trainee counsellor from Kidderminster, was initially unaware that gym members were required to enter their car details into a tablet upon arrival. She says no one at the front desk informed her of this requirement.

After receiving the first fine, Gabriella spoke with hotel staff. According to hotel staff, the car list, which is supposedly sent monthly, had not been submitted. Following this, she appealed the fine online and began entering her car details at each gym visit.

Despite entering her details, Gabriella received two more parking fines. She complained to the manager who requested she forward the fines so he could contact the operations manager.

The manager apologized for the issues and offered Gabriella one free month of membership. However, she then started receiving debt letters, which caused her considerable worry.

Other gym members have also experienced similar problems with parking fines. Gabriella’s brother-in-law received ten fines, and her sister received eight.

Gabriella has repeatedly complained and feels as though she is being blamed for the issues. She says she is continually told to appeal the fines and enter her car details, even though she has been doing so.

Gabriella believes the system is clearly flawed. Even though she enters her details, she continues to receive fines. She feels the hotel is not listening to her concerns and must take responsibility for the issues.

Gabriella described the situation as “ludicrous” and stated that it is causing significant stress for gym members. Initially, she believed proving her membership would be simple to resolve the debt letters, but as the issue has dragged on, she is now seeking legal assistance.

Gabriella believes someone is not fulfilling their duties, causing unnecessary stress to members. She recounted speaking to an older woman who was also worried after receiving a parking fine.

While Smart Parking issues the fines, Gabriella believes the ultimate responsibility lies with the hotel. She believes they have installed new signs regarding parking after she started receiving the fines.

Stourport Manor Hotel responded to the claims, stating that their system is in place to prevent car park misuse, ensuring that both guests and members can find parking spaces. The hotel also stated that clear signage is present and that any fines issued are usually cancelled. The hotel wishes to assure customers that parking is free for both hotel guests and leisure members, and any fines will always be revoked.

The hotel claims leisure members are clearly informed about mandatory car registration upon arrival during sign-up, on the website and via displayed signs inside. Photos were provided as examples of the hotel’s parking signage. The hotel stated that Smart Parking adheres to the British Parking Association guidelines to guarantee fair management of the car park.

The hotel has contacted Smart Parking regarding the situation. Smart Parking is now aware and will cancel all fines issued to this member. Smart Parking uses a third-party debt collection agency meaning the letters were sent automatically, before cancellation.

Stourport Manor Hotel requests customers report fines via the contact form on their website to ensure any issues are resolved swiftly. Smart Parking manages the hotel car park to prevent parking abuse and ensure available spots for both guests and members.

According to Smart Parking, signs direct people to enter their details into a tablet upon arrival at the hotel front desk. Smart Parking stated that they found one instance where Gabriella had properly registered her vehicle, and she was not charged. On the other ten occasions, she did not register her vehicle and consequently received charges.

Smart Parking, members of the British Parking Association, stated that they offer an appeals service that is fully audited. Smart Parking claims Gabriella did not initially contact them directly, but that, they will assist her if she now appeals.

Gabriella disputes Smart Parking’s version of events stating that, after the initial fines, she consistently entered her car details and continues to receive fines. She urges Smart Parking to review their system, as it is clearly malfunctioning, and she is not alone in receiving unfair fines.

Smart Parking has been contacted again and will verify the claims made by the hotel as well as confirm whether Gabriella’s fines will be revoked.