Stop UKPC from penalising Cowick Street shoppers
The Issue
I live in Exeter and frequently shop in Cowick Street to support our vibrant local businesses — from the friendly butchers, charming charity shops, to the indispensable post office. Unfortunately, many have been unfairly penalised by UKPC for using the St Thomas precinct car park and then simply crossing the street to patronise these establishments. The penalty notices (fines) people receive are not just a personal headache, but a real threat to the local economy.
UKPC is issuing fines to anyone who parks in their car park and then dares to leave the immediate precinct, even if it's just for a quick errand across the street. Local shoppers are unfairly targeted, and what results is a chilling effect on local commerce: people hesitate to shop or even park there, resulting in reduced footfall for nearby businesses.
Consider this: local businesses are the backbone of our community. They generate employment, foster community spirit, and provide essential services. When customers are fined for supporting these shops, the businesses suffer. It's an unintended consequence of strict enforcement policies, where the ultimate victims are the very small businesses we aim to support in our community.
To put things into perspective, a penalty could easily eclipse the earnings of several purchases. For a struggling charity shop or a neighbourhood butcher, losing customers could spell doom. If UKPC manages to drive these shops out of business, ironically, their car park will no longer see the hustle and bustle of patrons it was meant to facilitate in the first place.
I propose that UKPC reassess this punitive policy. Parking fines should not be issued for leaving the immediate car park to shop across the road. These businesses are within walking distance and should be considered part of the precinct's attraction.
I call upon UKPC to end these unnecessary fines and collaborate with local authorities and businesses to create a mutually beneficial parking policy that supports, rather than hinders, local commerce. Let’s keep Cowick Street thriving by allowing shoppers the freedom to support local without fear of being unfairly penalised.
Join me in petitioning for change. Sign this petition to demand UKPC stop issuing unfair parking fines to loyal Cowick Street patrons.
154
The Issue
I live in Exeter and frequently shop in Cowick Street to support our vibrant local businesses — from the friendly butchers, charming charity shops, to the indispensable post office. Unfortunately, many have been unfairly penalised by UKPC for using the St Thomas precinct car park and then simply crossing the street to patronise these establishments. The penalty notices (fines) people receive are not just a personal headache, but a real threat to the local economy.
UKPC is issuing fines to anyone who parks in their car park and then dares to leave the immediate precinct, even if it's just for a quick errand across the street. Local shoppers are unfairly targeted, and what results is a chilling effect on local commerce: people hesitate to shop or even park there, resulting in reduced footfall for nearby businesses.
Consider this: local businesses are the backbone of our community. They generate employment, foster community spirit, and provide essential services. When customers are fined for supporting these shops, the businesses suffer. It's an unintended consequence of strict enforcement policies, where the ultimate victims are the very small businesses we aim to support in our community.
To put things into perspective, a penalty could easily eclipse the earnings of several purchases. For a struggling charity shop or a neighbourhood butcher, losing customers could spell doom. If UKPC manages to drive these shops out of business, ironically, their car park will no longer see the hustle and bustle of patrons it was meant to facilitate in the first place.
I propose that UKPC reassess this punitive policy. Parking fines should not be issued for leaving the immediate car park to shop across the road. These businesses are within walking distance and should be considered part of the precinct's attraction.
I call upon UKPC to end these unnecessary fines and collaborate with local authorities and businesses to create a mutually beneficial parking policy that supports, rather than hinders, local commerce. Let’s keep Cowick Street thriving by allowing shoppers the freedom to support local without fear of being unfairly penalised.
Join me in petitioning for change. Sign this petition to demand UKPC stop issuing unfair parking fines to loyal Cowick Street patrons.
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Petition created on 17 October 2026