There has previously been unlimited free parking across the shopping centre – but new rules will come into force from September 1
The Trafford Centre is making a big change to car parking rules for shoppers (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The Trafford Centre is making a major change to how car parking will work across its sprawling estate, effective from Monday, September 1.
Until now, there has been unlimited free parking across more than 10,000 spaces on the Trafford Centre site, aside from the one area of “Premium Parking” where a fee applies.
Bosses say they’re now having to introduce a significant change to how the free spaces operate for the first time in the centre’s history by introducing a time limit.
Signs have now gone up across the Trafford Centre‘s car parks, warning that anyone going over the time limits risk being slapped with a fine.
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The Trafford Centre say it’s to ensure all shoppers can get access to the mall at peak times, as we head into the centre’s busiest trading period of the year in the run-up to Christmas.
The move comes after bosses discovered some cars have been parked up for days at a time on some sections of the car parks.
It means that from September 1, parking will be restricted to a maximum 12 hour stay across the majority of the centre’s 10,000 free parking spaces and NO overnight parking (between midnight and 6am) will be allowed.
However, at the Regent Crescent multi-storey, next to Selfridges, there will be an even shorter time period for parking – with a maximum of five hours only.
The Regent Crescent multi-storey has become the busiest on the entire Trafford Centre estate since the opening of the tram stop outside.
The Regent Crescent car park is next to the Trafford Centre tram stop – it will now have a maximum stay of five hours(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The MEN understands there are concerns that a number of people have been parking all day at this car park, before hopping onto the tram stop outside to head elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Bosses believe a number of people are parking up for free at the Trafford Centre, and then heading into the city centre, to avoid paying the eye-watering costs of parking centrally.
Anyone staying over the new time limits at the Trafford Centre car parks will risk a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) which entails a £50 fine.
But bosses are keen to stress that genuine shoppers using the Trafford Centre can extend the time they stay beyond the five hour limit if needed – by simply visiting the Guest Services department inside the mall and showing proof of purchase from a store.
Shoppers need to be aware of the new rules(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A Trafford Centre spokesperson said: “It’s important that our 10,000+ free car park spaces are available for our customers when they need them.
“From 1 September, Regent Crescent Multi-Storey will have a 5-hour maximum stay, but guests who wish to stay longer can simply visit Guest Services with proof of purchase to extend their time.
“All other car parks will have a 12-hour maximum, with no overnight parking permitted.
“These changes will improve traffic flow and ensure spaces are available for our guests.”
Map of the Trafford Centre’s different car parks(Image: Trafford Centre)
In a nod to those using the Trafford Centre car parks when using the tram, it has been suggested that people can use an alternative two stops along.
The spokesperson added: “For those travelling into Manchester or to events, TfGM’s Parkway Park & Ride is just two tram stops away and is a great alternative.
“We’ve also worked closely with our retailers on clear staff parking arrangements, and with exciting new store openings and the busy festive season ahead, we’re especially keen to keep Regent Crescent accessible.”
Bosses are also keen to stress that the move is NOT a gateway into more paid-for parking at the centre.
There are 10,000 free parking spaces at the Trafford Centre – for the first time there will be time limits on use (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The spokesperson said: “We have no plans to introduce parking charges beyond optional Premium Parking.”
Premium Parking was introduced in November last year at the Upper Peel Five Car park, next to the other side of Selfridges.
But the prices appear to have put off many shoppers from using it – as the centre has also now announced that the price of Premium Parking is to permanently reduce.
When it was first announced, centre bosses had set up “off peak” and “peak” prices on a sliding scale, ranging from £4 an hour in the week to £7 an hour on weekends, although capped to a maximum of £21 for a full day.
It will now drop to a flat fee of £7.50 to park there all day.
The spokesperson said: “Following a successful trial period, we’re pleased to confirm that our Premium Parking offer – a flat rate of £7.50 for all-day parking – will remain in place until further notice.”
What are the new parking rules at Trafford Centre?
Blue signs are now up at Trafford Centre car parks warning of the new time limits – this one for the Regent Crescent car park(Image: Manchester Evening News)
From September 1, parking will be limited across all of the Trafford Centre’s car parks to a maximum of 12 hours, and no overnight parking is allowed (from midnight to 6am).
In the Regent Crescent Multi-Storey (next to Selfridges) the time limit is shorter – with a maximum stay of five hours only.
Anyone going over the maximum stay limit is at risk of receiving a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) with a £50 fine.
Signs are now up across all car parks outlining the new rules. They state that “By failing to comply with the terms and conditions you agree to pay a parking charge notice of £50 within 28 days, reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days.”
How much is Premium Parking?
Premium Parking was introduced last year(Image: MEN)
There is now one single flat fee to pay for Premium Parking of £7.50, that’s whether you stay for one hour or up to 12 hours at this car park.
You can pre-book a place in advance of your visit online, or turn up and pay on the day.
Premium Parking is open from 8am to 10pm daily, at the Upper Peel 5 Car Park. It offers larger spaces that can accommodate larger luxury vehicles and family cars.
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