Victory for Littlehampton campaigners as ‘unfair’ shopping parade parking fines halted
Residents and businesses campaigning against controversial parking fines, at a shopping parade in Littlehampton, have secured the change they were calling for after intervention from their MP.
Shopkeepers and visitors had raised concerns about ‘devastating parking charges’ at Wick Parade Car Park, where drivers were being issued £100 fines if they left the immediate area on foot – under rules enforced by One Parking Solutions.
Alison Griffiths – the MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton – said the charges had caused ‘significant cost and deep anguish’ to the local community, with more than 1,200 people contacting her to share their experiences.
In a video message to constituents on Thursday (April 23), Mrs Griffiths announced that she had secured a change after raising the issue directly with those responsible and in Parliament. The landowner has now instructed the operator to stop issuing fines to people who park at Wick Parade but visit other nearby shops.
The changes mean that customers will no longer be penalised for visiting nearby shops outside Wick Parade. The three-hour parking limit will remain in place.
"I've got an important update about the parking here at Wick Parade,” the MP said.
"Following the concerns that so many of you raised, we have secured a change. The landowner has instructed their parking operator to stop issuing fines to people who park here but then go and visit other shops locally.
“This was the biggest issue that people raised with me and it simply wasn't fair. I raised it in Parliament and I took it directly to those responsible but this was only possible because people spoke up.
"Over 1,200 of you contacted me and shared your experiences helping me build the case for change, so thank you.
“I'm also grateful to the landowner for listening and acting quickly to put this right. This is a really positive outcome and it just goes to show what can be achieved when people come together to push for change.
"I will always continue to stand up for our community here at home and in Westminster.”
Mrs Griffiths said this was a ‘really important win’ for local residents and businesses.
“People were absolutely right to speak up,” she added.
"Being hit with £100 charges for everyday shopping simply wasn’t fair.
“I took these concerns directly to Parliament and to those responsible, and I’m very pleased we’ve been able to secure this change.
“I’m grateful to the landowner for listening carefully and acting quickly to put this right. That willingness to engage has made a real difference.
“This has been a community effort. Residents came forward in large numbers, and I was proud to be their voice in pressing for a fair outcome.
“I also want to thank David Chace, the chairman of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Conservatives, for his determined support on this issue, and for the work he has done locally to help champion these concerns.
“It shows what we can achieve when we share a common goal, and make our voices heard.
“This is exactly the outcome residents were calling for. I will always stand up for our community, and work to get the right result.”
The MP raised the issue in Parliament and tabled a series of written parliamentary questions on private parking enforcement, while ‘also seeking direct engagement with the landowner and operator’.
Mr Chace – who is a Conservative candidate for Littlehampton Town –said: “I’ve heard directly from residents about how frustrating this situation has been, and I’m really pleased to see it resolved.
"People shouldn’t be worried about being fined for simply using their local shops.
“This is a good outcome for Wick, and it shows what can happen when concerns are raised and acted on quickly.”
The intervention followed mounting concern among traders and residents. During a meeting organised by local florist, of 20 years, Michelle Bly, business owners described feeling ‘powerless’ as customers were caught out by the rules.
The Flower Shop owner said confusion had been widespread.
Long-time resident Peter Liverman also warned of the wider impact, describing the situation as a ‘devastating blow’ to the area and raising fears over lost trade.
In response to the controversy, shopkeepers had been sharing information on social media and local radio to help drivers avoid fines, while Mrs Griffiths launched a survey to gather evidence and push for changes.