Bolton Wanderers fan hits out over Parkingeye £100 fine

Shaun Egan, a former season ticket holder, attends several games a season with his 14-year-old son Archie.

They usually travel to the match by train from their home in Stockport, but strike action and other variables have meant that Shaun has chosen to drive on a few occasions in recent months.

The first time lorry driver Shaun says he used the new parking system implemented by Parkingeye in the summer was on August 20. He attempted to register his car in the way he believed to be correct and, worried that it had not registered correctly, followed that up with an email to the company asking them if it had gone through.

There was no response, but he did not receive a fine.

He then used the car park once again on October 1, assuming that his car was now registered with the automatic number plate recognition system.

READ MORE: New parking changes at Bolton Wanderers receive mixed response from fans

This time Shaun received a fine of £100, reduced to £60 if he paid it within a certain timeframe.

He said: “I don’t mind paying my way for parking. I registered in good faith.

“I put all my details in with every intention of paying. I have no intention of deceiving anyone.

Shaun Egan (Image: Shaun Egan)

“I had a season ticket for 30-odd years. The last couple of years when I’ve not had a season ticket, I’ve still spent hundreds of pounds.”

Shaun, through a contact at the club, managed to have his fine contested but Parkingeye would only reduce it to £20.

“I know someone who is one of the stewards and he says there have been some problems,” he said.

“I’ve seen online that there have been some hiccups. 

"They should get it the right the first time. If we get things wrong at work, we’re down the road. £100 is a lot of money in this day and age.”

Shaun is not happy with what he describes as “unscrupulous” money-making tactics from Parkingeye.

He added: “I don’t want to see my money go to these big companies with millions who just want to make more money off us. I wouldn’t mind my money going to the club.”

Shaun and son, Archie (Image: Shaun Egan)

He even says he would happily make a donation of £20 to Bolton Wanderers in the Community “just to prove a point”, as his grievances are not financially motivated.

READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers car parking cameras raise planning questions

A Parkingeye spokesperson said: “The car park at Bolton Wanderers FC has a number of prominent and highly visible signs that give motorists clear guidance on how to use the car park responsibly.

“The motorist parked in the car park on October 1 but did not register their details until two weeks later after the parking charge had been issued. As a result of this error, they received a Parking Charge Notice. However, following a review of the case, we have cancelled as a gesture of goodwill."

Shaun accepts he did register at a later date, but he says this was because he was under the impression that his details had already been registered beforehand.

The Parkingeye spokesperson added: “Parkingeye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals process, which motorists can use to appeal their parking charge. If anyone has mitigating circumstances, then we would encourage them to appeal.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18.