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Jul 2022
Last Updated: 01/07/2022
Ripley parking fine reignites free parking debate
A Harrogate woman says the introduction of parking charges will discourage visitors but Ripley estate says the charges are fair, low and have the support of local businesses.
A Harrogate woman has said she won't return to Ripley for walks after receiving a £100 fine for parking.
Ripley car park, which is part of the estate owned by castle owner Sir Thomas Ingilby and his wife Lady Emma, began charging for parking on June 20.
Janet Adamowicz received a penalty charge for returning to her car two minutes late, after paying £1 for an hour's parking.
She said the expiry time was displayed on the machine but no ticket was issued.
Ms Adamowicz, who has been a frequent visitor to Ripley, said
"I will not be attending Ripley again for walks, cafes or shops and it would appear I’m not the only one to feel like this.
"People don’t go on walks if they have to stress about getting back to their car in a limited time before being fined £100, people like leisurely strolls with no time limits."
Read more:
- Parking meters installed in Ripley car park
- Reservoir parking costs could cause 'tremendous problems' on nearby roads
Parking charges were introduced in Ripley after dialogue with businesses, the school, the church, the Friends of Ripley and Harrogate Borough Council.
It costs £1 an hour, which is redeemable in local outlets, £1.20 for two hours, £3.50 for six hours and £4 for eight hours.
Other organisations have recently announced parking charges, including the Inn at South Stainley and Yorkshire Water, which plans to introduce fees at its reservoirs, including Fewston and Swinsty.
The Ripley car park and the Inn at South Stainley, which redeems charges for customers, were often used as a free park and ride.
Mike Gosling, the Ripley estate’s business manager, said the system was working well and the estate had taken an extremely understanding view of appeals against fines, with several already overturned.
Ripley businesses, he said, liked the fact that the £1 charge for the first hour can be redeemed in local shops.
Automatic number plate recognition identifies how long vehicles stay in the car park.
Mr Gosling acknowledged there had been a problem with the software issuing tickets, which do not have to be displayed.
He said if anyone had received a fine for being just a few minutes late he would personally contact the company providing the system to have the fine cancelled.
Update: Ms Adamowicz has notified us her fine has been cancelled
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