PARKING rules at a popular eaterie have been criticised for being 'unclear'.
The car park for Toby Carvery in Carlisle is open to all customers and is free. However a former frequent customer has criticised the car park system in place.
Jim Murdoch, who is from Sanquhar but frequented the Carlisle restaurant, said: “The last time we were there we went in and they introduced the new parking system.
“We entered the restaurant and we asked the staff how long we were allowed to park.
“They would not tell us.
“I put a post up on Facebook warning people about this.
“The manager then contacted me and they stood their ground.
“They said if they told people how long they were allowed to park there, the public would use it without being customers.
“I just found it astonishing.
“What normally happens (with these parking systems), which are in supermarkets and service stations, is if you stay too long you get a fine mailed to you.
READ MORE: Neglected dogs packed into cattle trailer at Appleby Horse Fair
“This is, to my knowledge, the only one I know of where they do not tell you how long you get.
“I will not be going back there.”
Jim added that one response he got from a staff member is he had enough time to park so he could finish his meal, on this, he added: “Who’s to say it’s an hour or half an hour?
“I would think the minimum is two hours.
“I do make it worth my while to check all the signs before I park.
“I expected to get an apology but everyone was holding their ground.”
Jim said this happened on a visit a few months ago.
Becky, who was not present at the time, is the holding manager at Toby Carvery in Carlisle said the rules are quite clear - 'parking is free for customers'.
They said: "When you come in you put your reg number in.
"Back in March there were people who were parking there and they weren’t customers.
“We have even had people staying overnight.
“If you are a customer, parking is free.”
Responding to the question on how long it takes for customers to finish a meal, she explained: “It depends how big a table it is, but that is nothing to do with the car parking.”
On the exact timings for the system, she said: “You can be there for 15 minutes without putting your reg in.
“You have two hours until you get a fine.”
However, Becky said customers can stay longer, and if they get a fine they can bring it to Toby Carvery who will have it written off completely.
READ MORE: Store worker threatened by screwdriver-brandishing thief
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel