Harry Ramsdens boss vows to back customers in fight against unfair parking fines

Aug 2 2012 By Joe McGuire

Harry Ramsden's parking fine Image 3

A RESTAURANT whose customers are being hit with parking fines have spoken of their frustration at being unable to stop the problem.

Harry Ramsden’s, who are famous for their fish and chips, have lost customers since leasing their car park to Liverpool-based Civil Enforcement.

As reported previously in The Glaswegian, the firm have fined customers stopping by to collect a takeaway and others who were legitimately parked there while dining.

This week, Ramsden’s chief executive Joe Teixeira admitted the restaurant near Springfield Quay is haemorrhaging customers angered by the fines.

He said: “It’s becoming increasingly frustrating that car parking is outwith our control and that the actions of a third party are having a negative impact on the good relationship we enjoy with our customers.”

Teixeira promised to support customers through any dispute with Civil Enforcement.

He added that he was trying to get out of the five-year contract with the firm, which was signed by his predecessor. But he added that it was “exceptionally complicated” – the same claim levelled by his customers at the parking system.

Diners must enter their car registration on a machine in the restaurant to avoid a £150 fine. But one angered customer claims the machine doesn’t always work.

Days after retired electrician Robert Walker celebrated a family occasion at the restaurant, he was shocked to receive a fine – despite having made a point of complying with the “complicated and confusing” system.

The 67-year-old city centre resident was furious. He said: “We had a lovely meal and then you get a parking fine for dessert.

“I don’t understand how any restaurant can operate like this.”

The Glaswegian stepped in and got Robert’s fine cancelled. He will also get a free meal from Harry Ramsden’s.

Teixeira called on Civil Enforcement to apologise to Robert and other customers.

But a company spokesman said they were “100 per cent satisfied” that their system was working correctly.

He said Robert’s fine had been cancelled “as a goodwill gesture” after he produced a meal receipt to prove he was a genuine customer.