AN MP has hit out at a car parking company for their “exploitation” and “heavy handedness” towards the people of Basildon.

Stephen Metcalfe MP brought the problems with Basildon’s Westgate Shopping Centre car park operators Smart Parking UK to Parliament.

The payment machines and the vehicle recognition system at the car park, in Roundacre, Basildon, are reportedly faulty but fines are still being issued according to community leaders and shoppers.

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has expressed his anger at the way Smart Parking UK are operating the car park and raised the issue on the floor of the House of Commons.

He said: “I am as fed up as everyone else is with the actions of the car park operator Smart Parking UK.

“The Westgate Cark Park in Basildon is one of the worst examples I have seen of blatant exploitation and heavy handedness by an organisation whose parking rules seem entirely constructed for exploitative financial gain.

“It is totally wrong Smart Parking UK charge their customers from the moment they enter the car park to the moment they leave without allowing a period of grace to return to their cars.

“This is unfair and discriminates against the elderly and disabled, some of whom have written to me after being fined.

“I will continue to monitor the situation closely and would welcome a positive response from Smart Parking UK stating they will end their unfair practices.”

Smart Parking UK was contacted for comment but have consistently failed to respond to requests to explain the policies, fines or parking system in place at the shopping centre.

Hundreds of people have joined a Facebook group to share bad experiences of Smart Parking at this car park with leaflets also handed out to warn other drivers.