Westfield cancels parking fines to 'bona fide' shoppers

Christchurch's biggest shopping centre will consider waiving a $45 parking fine if customers can prove they are genuine shoppers.

Westfield Riccarton's fine system, for those that exceed car-park time limits, has soured the Christmas spirit for several shoppers. However, Westfield Riccarton yesterday confirmed some "bona fide" shoppers had successfully appealed their fines.

Other shoppers who can prove "special circumstances" may also escape penalty.

Westfield Riccarton said it had introduced the fines after car-park "misuse" by users not shopping at the centre.

Westfield shopping centre general manager Linda Trainer said the fine system would remain.

"As we head into the busy Christmas period, it was important to our retailers and to our genuine shoppers that Riccarton provided convenient and sufficient car parks for them," she said.

Four shoppers had contacted The Press in the past three days.

Westfield would not say how many complaints had been made. However, it had cancelled infringement notices to those "bona fide" shoppers who had appealed the $45 fine.

Westfield contracts the firm Parking Enforcement Services to monitor its car park.

Trainer said the company had the authority to issue parking fines.

- © Fairfax NZ News