Parking fines cancelled after Sheffield NHS worker waited four hours for shopping

Fines had been sent to shoppers who parked for more than the maximum four hours permitted at Drakehouse Retail Park, near Crystal Peaks, on Monday, June 15.

But bosses have agreed to overturn them after The Star highlighted the case of midwife Tracey Stanley, who told how she had queued for three hours and 40 minutes outside Sports Direct to take advantage of the 50 per cent discount being offered to NHS staff.

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The 40-year-old mother-of-two, who lives in South Anston and works at the Jessop Wing maternity unit in Sheffield, said: “I’m not a big shopper but I thought I’d save the family a bit of money, which would come in handy with my husband being furloughed, by taking advantage of the offer.

“I had no idea I’d be queuing for so long but after about an hour I felt committed so I wasn’t going to leave at that point.

“I was shocked to come home this week and find a £60 parking fine from UKPC (which manages the car park).

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“At first I was angry at myself for not realising about the time limit but then I thought that’s not fair because I’d spent all that time queuing to get into the shop.

”I’m sure there are many other people who were caught out.”

After being contacted by The Star on Thursday, June 25, Drakehouse issued a statement saying: “All customers to Drakehouse Retail Park are able to park without restriction for up to four hours. In ordinary circumstances this is ample time to visit the park.

“However, given the extraordinary circumstances on Monday, June 15, we have arranged for all parking fines issued on that day to be cancelled with immediate effect.

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“The parking management company have been informed and customers who unfortunately received a fine will receive a cancellation/refund in the coming days.

“We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused and to thank people for their custom and their patience following the reopening of the retail park on June 15.”