Confusion mounts over train station parking signs

‘You don’t have to pay for a Lincoln Central railway station drop off that’s less than 20 minutes’, say East Midlands Trains despite signage telling people otherwise.

The train company stepped in after a new parking system at Lincoln train station caused frustration and confusion.

As previously reported, Smart Parking has taken over at the long and short stay car parks, putting up new signage indicating a maximum stay of 20 minutes with no waiting permitted at any time.

It also states driver must pay 50p for parking up to 20 minutes.

The train company has since confirmed to reporters that this doesn’t apply to drivers dropping people off unless they stay longer than 20 minutes.

So something’s still not right.

The ticket machines at the short stay car park at Lincoln’s train station. Photo: Joseph Verney for The Lincolnite

A spokesperson for East Midlands Trains told The Lincolnite: “The short stay parking charge of 50p for 20 minutes has been in place since 2012, that hasn’t changed, and there has always been clear signage to explain that there is a 50p charge.

“Any drivers who are dropping people off do not have to pay the 50p charge unless they are planning on staying longer than 20 minutes.

“People were previously misusing the short stay car park but it is intended for 20 minutes only and there is still the facility to drop off/pick up.

“We will feedback the comments about the signage and we will make it clear that people are still able to make a quick pick off and drop off without the 50p charge.”

They’re watching you! Number plate recognition cameras are now on site, and you must enter your full reg plate when paying.

People are being told full correct vehicle registration must be entered into the payment machine on site. Failure to comply with this may result in a Parking Charge Notice of £100.

Extra signs have been installed and a parking attendant is in place to help customers initially.

You’ve been warned: You’ll have to email your appeal over to Smart Parking.

Parking tariffs applying 24 hours a day Monday to Sunday. The duration of the stay is calculated by ANPR cameras from the point of entry to point of exit.

The tickets are available via the car park ticket machines or the Smart Parking smartphone app.

Operations Director of Smart Parking Peter Coakley said: “The new signs and tariffs will give motorists improved accessibility, greater flexibility and better value. As a company we are always keen to give our customers the best service and are pleased that Lincoln Train Station is the most recent example of this.”

Issues in Skegness

Smart Parking is already well known in Lincolnshire with multiple drivers in Skegness claiming to have been issued inaccurate fines at the main car park at Fantasy Island on Sea Lane.

Some alleged they had ‘valid tickets’ with people unhappy at what they believed to be a ‘faulty’ ticket machine back in June.

Complaints continued in the months that followed over ‘inaccurate fines and ‘misleading signage’ before Smart Parking finally issued a response in November.