Peak pub The Fox House's new £100 parking cameras spark backlash fears
The business has hired Euro Car Parks to police the huge plot
Demands for £100 for breaking parking rules at a popular Peak District pub could spark a backlash, it is feared.
Readers have broadly welcomed the end of a free-for-all at the Fox House which would sometimes see the car park full but the pub empty.
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The business has hired Euro Car Parks to police the huge plot on Hathersage Road, Longshaw.
But some think letters demanding £100 will change attitudes.
Now, to park free, customers must input their car registration number on a tablet near the bar. Non-customers can only park overnight - from 8pm-8am - for £20 and at no other time.
Writing on The Star’s Facebook page, Shaun Moulds said: “It still blows my mind that people feel it's their god given right to park two tonnes of their own private property on someone else's land for free.”
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Hogshead at Hackenthorpe said: “So people are complaining they can't use the pub’s facilities while not spending a penny to support the business?
“Get a grip.”
But Lee Dodsworth was unequivocal.
“I wouldn’t even call for a pint when I see that sign.”
Dirk Urquhart also took a dim view.
“The pub has happily passed control of parking over to an organisation that thrives on catching folk out who don't read the signs. The pub pays nothing.
“The DVLA happily gives out our details for a small cost.
“Kaching! Welcome to broken Britain.”
Martin Hill said: “I agree that some restrictions are needed, however I don’t think Euro Car Parks is the way forward. They are brutal. Get ready for the backlash.”
Mitchells & Butlers, which owns the Fox House, has urged customers to keep food and drink receipts so they have a defence against wrongly-issued Parking Charge Notice letters.
People can also take a photo of the screen after registering their vehicle since it does provide any evidence of input.
There is also confusion over how long drivers have to drop someone off, or change their mind about visiting and leave, before a £100 letter is issued.
Newly installed signs at the pub do not mention it.
Euro Car Parks said in a statement: “The car park in question is on private land and upon entering such land vehicles are subject to the terms and conditions of parking as shown on the signage.
“This signage quite clearly states that if your vehicle is in breach of the terms and conditions of the car park then a parking charge will be issued. Please follow terms and conditions displayed on signage.”
Mitchells & Butlers, which owns the Fox House, told The Star the ‘consideration period’ was “usually around 15 minutes.”
The British Parking Association - of which ECP is a member - states it could be as low as five minutes, according to Annex B of its code of practice.