An MP said ‘devastating parking charges’ at a shopping parade in Littlehampton are causing ‘significant cost and deep anguish’ to residents and businesses.

Shopkeepers and residents are raising concerns over new parking rules at Wick Parade Car Park, operated by One Parking Solutions, after multiple visitors received £100 fines for leaving the site on foot.

Alison Griffiths, MP for Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, met with a group of residents and business owners on Monday (April 13).

“Organised by Michelle Bly of The Flower Shop Littlehampton, we came together to draw attention to the devastating parking charges, which are causing significant cost and deep anguish to residents and businesses alike,” the MP wrote on Facebook.

Shopkeepers and residents are raising concerns over new parking rules at Wick Parade Car Park, operated by One Parking Solutions, after multiple visitors received £100 fines for leaving the site on foot. Photo: Hollie Robards / Iconic Media Group / HR26041301

placeholder image — Shopkeepers and residents are raising concerns over new parking rules at Wick Parade Car Park, operated by One Parking Solutions, after multiple visitors received £100 fines for leaving the site on foot. Photo: Hollie Robards / Iconic Media Group / HR26041301

"Under a new parking regime, operated by One Parking Solution Ltd, visitors to Wick Parade will receive a fine for £100 if they leave the immediate area of Wick Parade to go to nearby shops. This surveillance and monitoring is deeply intrusive, and far from well-communicated.

“I have been collecting evidence in my survey to fight this. Today we reached over 1,000 sign-ups (with thanks to Littlehampton Page for some extra promotion). I invite you to keep sharing your experience.

“I’ll be using this evidence to push for changes to this charges, as well as for legislation at a national level. My thanks to SussexWorld for highlighting this fight, and to everyone who turned up today.”

Michelle Bly, who has run The Flower Shop at Wick Parade for 20 years, and has been a local resident for half a century – said shop keepers ‘feel powerless’.

Concerned business owner Michelle Bly wants to raise awareness about the new parking restrictions at Wick Parade car park. Photo: Hollie Robards / Iconic Media Group / HR26041301

She added: "There is a lot of confusion with many thinking that, if they have done some shopping in the parade shops, then they are okay, but they aren’t.

"The shopkeepers are so upset that they are the ones having to deal with customers who are shocked and angry when they realise that they have broken the terms. They know that it isn’t our fault but it is horrible to see.

“I am trying to educate as many people, as possible, about what the rules are so they can park accordingly to avoid getting a fine.

"So many people have been coming into the shop asking about it.

"It has put Wick on the map for the wrong reason. We are all working very hard in our business to build our reputations and encourage new customers into Wick, this is so damaging to us as a community and I know that it is causing us a lot of worry and stress.”

Peter Liverman, who has lived in Wick for 72 years, voiced fears over lost trade for businesses as well as concerns about the wider community.

“This is devastating blow to the Wick community that, over the last few years has become, just that – a community again,” he said.

“None of us want this to happen.”

Shopkeepers have been sharing information on social media and local radio to educate drivers about the rules, hoping to prevent further fines and confusion. Alison Griffiths has also invited people ot fill out her survey: https://www.alisongriffiths.org.uk/campaigns/wick-parade-parking-survey

One Parking Solution LTD has been approached for comment.