THIS morning I parked in the multi storey park adjoining House of Fraser. I checked the menu of prices before leaving the car park. It advised the charge was £1.20 for the first hour. On my return 20 minutes later I inserted my parking ticket and was charged £2. The same thing had happened to me last week. When I went to look for the attendant last week nobody was about. Today I found the attendant and asked why the difference in the charge.

He advised that there were other signs on the board, namely £2 for four hours but with a minimum charge of £2. I advised that the board also stated quite clearly that the normal charge was £1.20 for the first hour etc. Very sorry about this said the attendant ‘we have had loads of complaints about this but the council will not change the signage saying that they have ‘advertised’ the changes and we should know all about them!’ Where did they advertise? I ask. In the local press, he said. But I only read national newspapers, The Times and Mail. They were not advertised in there. What about the visitors from out of town who are not in the local newspaper distribution area?

When I telephoned customer service at Wat Tyler House today I was told that yes the £1.20 per hour was displayed but the four hour £2.40 was a special Christmas offer. Not to me! I was also told that the special offer had been advertised extensively. Not in The Times or Mail though.

The signage is only giving off ‘mixed messages’. I was charged this morning at the equivalent rate of £6 per hour. As far as I am concerned this is nothing more than a deception perpetrated by the council. So much for shopping in Swindon, thank you but no thank you, I will do without.

JOHN HUGHES

Ashbury Avenue

Swindon