Drivers who parked in The Range for fireworks get Parkingeye fine

The Gazette understands as many as 50 drivers could be facing having to pay up after parking in the Range car park, in Cowdray Avenue.

The Castle Park fireworks show returned to the city on bonfire night, with huge crowds gathering to enjoy the spectacle.

Parkingeye, which runs the car park, said signs clearly stated parking after the shop is closed is prohibited.

Spectacular - the Castle Park fireworks from this year were as popular as ever (Image: David Waterman)

But one driver told the Gazette they “don’t think it was 100 per cent clear”.

The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said they parked at the site with about “50 other cars”.

They said: “It was full, and in fact, no one left the car park we all just watched by the walls.

“I admit I was wrong, if you read the signs, it does say you shouldn’t park there after closing time.

“But I don’t think it was 100 per cent clear, and there were so many people there, so I wasn’t the only one who didn’t understand.

“There were no closed gates or anything either.”

Residents who parked there on bonfire night received a £100 fine, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.

“The atmosphere around the car park was excitement and joy of many families who could not afford the price of Castle Park tickets, “the resident added.

“I think The Range would be disgusted in knowing how much the parking company will be making for this one night.”

Site - the entrance to the parking at The Range (Image: Google)

A spokesman for Parkingeye stressed the parking system has been in place for ten years to “prevent long-stay parking abuse”.

They added: “The car park at The Range in Colchester features ten prominent and highly-visible signs at the entrance and throughout, providing information on how to use the car park responsibly.   

“This includes guidance motorists have a maximum two-hour stay between 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and between 10am and 5pm on a Sunday. 

“The signage clearly states  there is no parking allowed outside these hours. 

“The motorist received a parking charge for parking after 5pm on Sunday, November 5. 

“We would add Parkingeye operates a British Parking Association audited appeals process, which motorists can use to appeal their Parking Charge.

“If anyone has mitigating circumstances, we would encourage them to highlight this by appealing.”