Customers get more than a bargain bucket at KFC - a £75 parking fine

A GOLCAR mother got more than she bargained for during a trip to KFC – a £75 parking ticket.

Linda Bedford was unaware of a time limit at the Leeds Road branch of the KFC car park.

And because she and her son were eating there for longer than 75 minutes she was handed a parking ticket.

But the number of complaints relating to the branch means KFC are now reviewing their car parking rules.

Mrs Bedford has since paid the £75 fine but wants to highlight the issue among other customers.

Mrs Bedford, of Golcar, said: “We’d had dinner and went away without any problems.

“We went back again the next week but when I got home there was a letter with a parking ticket inside which related to the first visit.

“As you can imagine I was taken aback and a bit shocked and upset.

“I hadn’t realised there would be a problem with a KFC customer parking in their own car park.

“I supposed subconsciously there could have been signs in the car park but as a customer you just think it will be okay to park in their car park.”

Mrs Bedford and her 17-year-old son were having dinner at the Leeds Road KFC on March 19.

She was unaware of any parking time rules and was stunned when she was sent a parking ticket through the post.

She and her son are regular customers there and enjoyed dinner then went to get some dessert after a while.

“I was a legitimate customer so I’m surprised by it,” she added.

“A lot of parties take place there and I would imagine a lot of people do not know about the time limit.”

The Examiner told last year how Natalie Jackson, of Meltham, was stung by a parking ticket after staying longer than 75 minutes.

While Michelle and Paul Dowse, of Emley, were hosting their daughter’s birthday party there when they were hit with a £150 fine.

A spokesperson for the KFC franchise that operates the KFC on Leeds Road said: “We are sorry to hear of Mrs Bedford’s complaint.

“The 75 minute limit at this restaurant is in place to stop non-KFC customers from using the car park.

“We understand that, on rare occasions, genuine customers can overstay the limit and in these instances we would advise them to inform a member of staff at the time.

“We are currently reviewing the time limit with Creative Car Park who manage the car park, and we will let our customers know once a decision has been reached.”