MP welcomes Hassocks railway car park apology

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert has welcomed an apology from Govia Thameslink Railway after parking tickets were incorrectly issued to residents parked outside their homes at Hassocks station.

One of the residents contacted the MP to express his dismay at being given a parking ticket for being parked in his own bay opposite the ticket hall.

The residents’ parking bays at Hassocks are clearly marked, but Indigo parking enforcement started issuing tickets in January.  They said they had authorisation from GTR who own the car park. 

Mr Herbert raised concerns with GTR and yesterday (19 March) the company apologised for the mistake.

In an email to Mr Herbert, Yvonne Leslie, Senior Stakeholder Manager for GTR, said: “We've reviewed the evidence and can confirm that the parking bays adjacent to Station Cottages are for the use of residents. 

“We'd like to apologise to those who have received a penalty notice incorrectly, and of course these will be cancelled now we have the correct information about their parking rights.

“We are contacting residents to update them and will provide official parking permits to be displayed, making their exclusive use of this area of the car park clear.”

Mr Herbert said: “I am pleased that the residents of Station Cottages are now reassured that they have the right to park in the designated bays outside their homes.

“Railway station parking continues to be an issue more generally as demand grows.  More spaces are needed at many of our station car parks, and this is a matter I will continue to take up with GTR.”

ENDS

Notes