Stadium parking fines cancelled after complaints

Fans using the club shop have been fined despite leaving within a 20-minute grace period

A car park management company is cancelling fines it issued to football fans as a "gesture of goodwill".

Parkingeye was brought in to reduce over-stays and unwanted parking from people not using Oxford United's Kassam Stadium and leisure park.

The BBC heard from supporters who were sent Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) despite the club initially informing them there would be a 20-minute grace period.

Others complained of parking signs that were not visible enough.

The new restrictions, which were introduced by landowner The Firoka Group of Companies, were announced in March.

Visitors to the car park can stay for up to four hours when vehicles are registered via a QR code.

But supporters visiting the ticket office or club shop expected to have a 20-minute grace period.

Car park management company Parkingeye was brought in to reduce over-stays and unwanted parking

The BBC heard the case of a fan who bought football kit at the shop and left within 11 minutes, and still received a parking ticket.

After sending evidence to the company his claim was rejected, which led him to describe the scheme as a "ridiculous and total money-making scam".

The BBC has seen further examples of PCNs where supporters were fined for parking within the 20-minute period.

A Parkingeye spokesperson claimed the grace period was initially 10 minutes, and later increased to 20.

They added: "All motorists received a parking charge due to exceeding the 10-minute consideration period and not registering their vehicles as instructed by the prominent signage.

"However, as a gesture of goodwill, we will cancel all charges under the 20-minute consideration period."

They stated that the consideration period was "not free parking" and all visitors needed to register their vehicle.

The signs have been criticised by supporters for being unclear and unfair

In a statement, the club said: "Oxford United does not own the car parking spaces at the Kassam Stadium.

"However, the club is currently in discussions with the management company to look at potential improvements to ensure the impact is lessened on supporters.

"To mitigate any further issues, the club have reissued guidance on our official website to ensure all supporters have the necessary information prior to arriving at the Kassam.

"The management company have also ensured that all those affected will have their parking charge cancelled should it sit within the 20-minute consideration period."

The Firoka Group of Companies has been contacted for comment.

A representative of the Oxford United Fans Page on Facebook said he was "very happy" the tickets would be cancelled and for the "clarification about the 20-minute grace period".

He added: "I hope this helps people attending the Kassam, club shop, ticket office and leisure facilities in the future.

"I still believe that the signage when you first drive into the car park is not bold enough, so I'm worried people will be caught going in the future."

The club is set to leave the stadium, which has been its home since 2001, when its lease expires in 2026.

Plans for a new stadium are in motion after a legally binding agreement between Oxfordshire County Council and the club was agreed.