A PARKING authority has launched an investigation following thousands of complaints about a car park.

The British Parking Association is now looking into the operation of Smart Parking's Westgate Shopping Centre Car Park, Roundacre, Basildon following claims about unfair fines and faulty payment systems.

Residents and shoppers claim to have been fined despite paying for parking and that payment machines and systems do not work correctly and are unclear, leading to the unfair fines.

A spokesman for the parking authority said it cannot comment when there is an open investigation.

The investigation is expected to ensure any wrong practices end or it could be struck from the accredited association’s register.

Shop workers at business at the shopping centre told the Echo they had been banned to release any comment about the issues.

It comes after MPs have been discussing the issue in Parliament.

Stephen Metcalfe and John Baron, the two MPs for Basildon, have welcomed the news that following recent correspondence the British Parking Association (BPA) will now investigate Westgate car park operator Smart Parking UK against their Code of Practice.

Mr Metcalfe said: “In response to my Written Question to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Government have confirmed that the DVLA will only provide vehicle keeper information to private parking management companies like Smart Parking UK where they are members of an appropriate accredited trade association.”

"Since my question in the House of Commons chamber last week I have been contacted by numerous fellow MPs who similarly share my frustration with Smart Parking UK. I, along with my neighbour John Baron MP, continue to call for an end to their behaviour which risks the reputation of Westgate shopping centre in Basildon.”

Tracey Dunne, who works at the shopping centre has also welcomed the probe.

She said: "I think it is a massive step forward and it is now being taken very seriously.

"It is great that all the political parties are working together to support us."

A Smart Parking spokesman said: “Smart Parking manages the Westgate Car Park in Basildon to stop parking abuse, and to make sure genuine shoppers can always find somewhere to park.

Westgate was originally a manned pay and display car park, but many people had abused this and parked without paying - which wasn’t fair on those who did park correctly. To fix this we installed an ANPR parking management system which monitors cars entering and exiting the car park and treats all motorists equally. ANPR is a standard system for the parking industry and is used in thousands of car park across the UK.

"At Westgate there are over 50 signs across the site which clearly explain the terms and conditions of use and we would remind any motorist that when parking on private land they should always read these before deciding to park.

"We understand Stephen Metcalfe MP has raised concerns about some complaints he has received from motorists using the Westgate Car Park. Mr Metcalfe has never contacted us directly to request a meeting, which is a shame. We have now written to him asking for a meeting as we would like to allay any concerns he may have.

"With regards to the British Parking Association (BPA), Smart Parking is a proud member and we strictly follow the associations guidelines. We operate a BPA-audited appeals process and would encourage any motorist who receives a penalty charge where they feel they have genuinely mitigating circumstances to contact us.”