NCP has apologised to motorists who were trapped in a Bolton town centre car park after the card machine failed to process payments. Rai Hurst was one of the drivers who had parked in Topp Way car park to go to church on June 9 But when he drove to the barrier to pay and get out, the card machine did not work. He said soon after, more cars lined up with motorists unable to pay as they did not have cash.
Rai said that on calling for assistance, drivers were told they could pay by phone but would need to pay a £5 surcharge. Rai said: “Due to a road closure, I parked there for church that morning. “They said there were no problems in the system but it was not working and they said that I would have to pay the surcharge, but it is not my issue.
“It was only £3, and I do not dispute that but I didn’t want to pay another £5 when I have done nothing wrong. “I along with others including families with very young children were trapped and not allowed to leave.” Rai said other drivers sat behind him had also tried but failed to pay with around 15-20 cars building up, all unable to pay and leave.
He said: “When I spoke to them for the third time, I said I just wanted to be let out and she said no you cannot leave until it is paid, and I said that I wanted to pay but you are not letting me. “It was a horrible situation and as I walked past a line of cars, there were families and they were trapped, we all were. “The customer service was abysmal, and they were horrible.
