MP Pete Wishart has labelled a private parking operator “a cowboy company” after claiming he has been inundated with complaints about it from some constituents.
The Perth and North Perthshire representative told The Courier he has been receiving up to 10 complaints per day about Smart Parking and said he could not believe the firm’s “arrogance” by “blithely” ignoring motorists’ grievances regarding its Kinnoull Street car park in Perth.
Such is his concern, Mr Wishart has requested a meeting with Smart Parking at Westminster to discuss the situation and is urging his constituents to “stay well clear” of the firm.
In a hard-hitting attack, the SNP politician said: “I’m sick and tired of this dysfunctional, cowboy company who operate useless parking arrangements leading to many complaints about their Kinnoull Street car park. They have issued totally disproportionate and unwarranted fines to people concerning the simple operation of car parking and I am now advising people to stay well clear of them.
“I receive around 10 complaints about the Smart Parking operation in Kinnoull Street per day and know other politicians and councillors are also receiving them.
“I am seeking a meeting with them at the House of Commons to ask them about the series of complaints I have had and to discuss their woeful parking arrangements at Kinnoull Street, and I look forward to hearing what they say.
“Smart Parking has been told about the complaints from my constituents and I can’t believe their arrogance by blithely ignoring them.”
Mr Wishart’s comments follow those of businessman Stephen Gorton, who set up the campaign group SmartingfromParking and said he felt Smart Parking should be kicked out of regulating body the British Parking Association.
Mr Gorton claimed two members of his family were confused by signs asking drivers to enter their vehicle registration when buying a ticket at the Kinnoull Street car park.
The businessman said his family would go to court rather than pay fines imposed by the company.
Smart Parking did not respond to Mr Wishart’s comments.