Motorists complain over parking ‘rip offs’ in city
Several motorists making use of the city's parking areas that are controlled by Easy Park say they have had enough of rude treatment, and being ripped off by Easy Park paypoint officials.
POLOKWANE – Several motorists making use of the city’s parking areas that are controlled by Easy Park say they have had enough of rude treatment, and being ripped off by Easy Park paypoint officials.
One of these motorists, Sunél Klopper, said she had parked at one of these parking areas for 30 minutes, but was then charged the price of an hour.
“I refused to pay the money. The woman inside the booth argued with me and said she would not open the boom unless I paid for an hour. After a few minutes of going back and forth the gate was opened and I was allowed to leave,” Klopper said.
Another motorist who allegedly had an unpleasant experience at the hands of these paypoint officials was Morris Mabotja. He said he and his wife parked in an Easy Park parking area to collect the pizza they had ordered.
When they left, they were told they had to pay for the parking unless they had a stamp from the business they supported on their ticket.
“When my wife asked how we were supposed to know about this arrangement, the woman swore at her, saying it was not her problem if my wife could not read,” He said he paid the parking fee and left.
Mabotja said he tried to report the matter to the municipality the next day, but was told that the parking provider worked independently from the municipality.
Johan Venter said he had also experienced problems.
“I parked in an Easy Park parking area early one Saturday morning. The boom was up and there was no one on duty yet. I drew some money at the ATM.
“When I wanted to leave the parking area, there was suddenly a paypoint official at the exit. She refused to open the boom, saying I must go back to the entrance to get a ticket. She would not listen to anything I said. After at least 10 minutes of arguing, shouting and swearing, she eventually let us leave,” Venter explained.
According to municipal spokesperson, Malesela Maubane, the company was contracted by the municipality, but complaints had to be directed to them directly.
John Nel, an Easy Park manager, said the management team of Easy Park in no way agreed with the alleged attitude and behaviour of their employees. He said steps would be taken against anyone who abused their positions as paypoint officials.
He urged residents to direct their complaints to Easy Park’s office at 43 Biccard Street or to contact him at 083 278 6372.
