Be aware: Despite having number plate recognition, this car park uses an archaic "pay and display" system, meaning you need to estimate how long you will stay, get a ticket from the machine, and put it in your vehicle within 20 mins of parking. We were caught out on this as it differs from every other car park I've used in the UK, where you pay upon exit based on how long you've stayed.
The fine is £100, which you'll receive in the post as there is no barrier to prevent you leaving or other indication that you've made a mistake.
They will also fine you if the payment machine is out of order and you cannot find another one (within 20 mins) to make your payment. You must use their "phone and pay" system in this case.
The instructions are written in fine print on their signage. Apparently every driver needs to block the entrance for a few minutes while they sit in their vehicle and read this fine print.
Gareth Bopst281 days ago
Car park is a scam. Avoid at all costs. If you don't pay within 20 mins you will get fined. So don't make a phone call, sort out your kids or rummage around I'm your car for coins. Avoid and In turn Avoid the shops here. The shopping centre should know their car park is almost criminal.
John Gonzo311 days ago
I have just received a PCN letter demanding a fine of £100. This when a blue badge was clearly displayed - and in the photographs. All other car parking in Stroud is free for severely disabled blue badge holders, including the multi storey in Brunel Mall. Never been issued with a ticket before in Stroud having lived here 44 years. IF DISABLED DO NOT USE THIS CAR PARK. BLUE BADGES DON’T COUNT. PARK AND SHOP ELSEWHERE.
Colin Bookless311 days ago
Watch out for how they charge. You only get the 50p evening parking rate if you arrive after 5pm. If you arrive earlier and add 50p to the charges for the previous time you will be fined. You have to add £1.50, the overnight rate, if you arrive before 5pm. A cunning rule written in brackets.
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Shane Bagley342 days ago
I paid for 4 hours parking at 430 pm but at 5 pm the terrif switches to .50p for overnight. You can’t pay this until 5 pm so even if you arrive at 430, pay 2.50 you still are expected to come back after 30 mins and pay another .50p if you don’t it’s £100 fine
Thomas P1 year ago
Don't ignore the 1 star reviews!! Will find any reason to issue you a PCN. Other companies will often cancel these for legitimate customers making honest errors but Five Valleys have ignored all contact and clearly see PCNs as a source of income. Avoid. Or if not, make sure you pay within 20 minutes of arrival - the terrible app won't work!
Alex Crombie2 years ago
AVOID! Joke of a car park. Parked here on Sunday while watching a film and paid £1 for the day as it says. Get a £100 PCN for what we believe was not adding the 50p night rate for times after 5… so in essence our fault for not leaving the cinema and adding 50 PENCE worth of parking 💀 my bad I guess
Amelia Leonard2 years ago
This is a PAY & DISPLAY car park. Telling you, because you will not be warned before entering the car park. I will never park here again. The car park does not comply with regulations, yet they will charge you with a PCN regardless - even when you pay for your parking. Avoid at all costs.
The fine is £100, which you'll receive in the post as there is no barrier to prevent you leaving or other indication that you've made a mistake.
They will also fine you if the payment machine is out of order and you cannot find another one (within 20 mins) to make your payment. You must use their "phone and pay" system in this case.
The instructions are written in fine print on their signage. Apparently every driver needs to block the entrance for a few minutes while they sit in their vehicle and read this fine print.
T