'I risked parking fine as it was cheaper than NCP'

A man says he deliberately paid a parking fine because it was cheaper than paying to use a city centre multi-storey car park.

Dominic McGregor, who commuted from his Cheshire home to a business conference, was shocked at the "extortionate" £35 parking fee to stay for over six hours in an NCP car park in Spinningfields, Manchester.

On-street parking in Manchester is limited to two hours, with a £50 fine for going over that, or £25 if paid within 14 days - £10 less than NCP's charge.

NCP, the UK's largest parking operator, which went into administration this week, declined to comment.

McGregor, who lives in Alderley Edge and runs an investment fund company, said: "I'm happier paying a parking ticket than pay to a private enterprise, as at least I know my money is going somewhere."

"I'd rather my money go to the council, going towards child and adult social services, than debt and mismanagement," the 32-year-old added.

He said the NCP's Spinningfield site was the best location for him, and driving into the city is cheaper than commuting by train.

NCP was founded in 1931 and runs 340 parking sites nationwide, including in airports, hospitals and train stations.

After the firm filed for administration this week, a report said its debts were £305m greater than the value of its assets, as of 30 September last year, and has put at risk 682 jobs.

McGregor added: "NCP as a business can't be sustainable if taking a fine is cheaper than leaving your car in the secure car park for six hours.

"They don't put the customer at the heart of what they're trying to achieve," he said.

The BBC has approached Manchester City Council for comment.

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