East Derry MLA launches formal complaint regarding car park at Lidl in Limavady

East Derry MLA, Cara Hunter, has filed a complaint with The Consumer Council NI regarding the parking time at the car park outside Lidl in Limavady.

The SDLP MLA said she has received 15 queries about Parkmaven tickets and made the decision to make a formal complaint about the parking regulations Ms Hunter described as " extremely unfair."

Speaking to the County Derry Post, Ms Hunter said: "We think this one-hour rule is extremely unfair given it severely limits the elderly and disabled shoppers who may take slightly longer to shop.

"The cost of these tickets is significant given the cost-of-living crisis we currently face.

"We're happy to help any constituent challenge them as being told to pay for a parking ticket only adds to the financial pressure so many constituents currently face.

"Receiving these letters in the post has distressed elderly constituents who were unaware they'd done anything wrong. We will continue to work with constituents across the district who have been given a ticket."

Ms Hunter said the The Consumer Council, with whom she lodged the complaint, have always been helpful in the past with similar concerns and hopes the situation can be resolved.

Ms Hunter continued: "The Consumer Council have always been extremely helpful anytime we've raised concerns like this to them. They're a fantastic public resource.

"I'd like to see this one-hour rule changed as I feel it is unrealistic, unhelpful and doesn't take into consideration the diverse needs of constituents, for example physical disability.

"I've noticed online that many people across these islands have had a similar experience with this specific company."

The Consumer Council NI confirmed they are investigating this issue. However, as the investigations are ongoing, they were unable to comment publicly on the situation at this time.