Businessman happier to pay parking fine than use NCP car park

LONDON, March 20 — A businessman who deliberately paid a parking ticket fine because it was cheaper than paying to use a multi-storey car park in the city centre, has accused NCP of "profiteering". Dominic McGregor, who commuted from his Cheshire home to a business conference, was shocked at the "extortionate" £35 parking fee to stay for over six hours in an NCP car park in Spinningfields, Manchester. On-street parking in Manchester is limited to two hours, with a £50 fine for going over that, or £25 if paid within 14 days - £10 less than NCP's charge.

NCP, the UK's largest parking operator, went into administration this week as McGregor added he'd rather his money didn't go towards a business in "debt". When driving in to Manchester, McGregor deliberately used an on-street parking space for over two hours. "This is literally what I do", said McGregor, who runs an investment fund company.

"I'd rather my money go to the council, going towards child and adult social services, than debt and mismanagement," he said. The 32-year-old, who lives in Alderley Edge, added: "I'm happier paying a parking ticket than pay to a private enterprise, as at least I know my money is going somewhere". He said the NCP's Spinningfield site was the best location for him, and driving into the city is cheaper than commuting by train.

NCP was founded in 1931 and runs 340 parking sites nationwide, including in airports, hospitals and train stations. After the firm filed for administration this week, a report said its debts were £305m greater than the value of its assets, as of 30 September last year, and has put at risk 682 jobs. McGregor added: "NCP as a business can't be sustainable if taking a fine is cheaper than leaving your car in the secure car park for six hours.

"They don't put the customer at the heart of what they're trying to achieve," he said.