July 29th 2024.
People are becoming increasingly frustrated with a popular diner chain in North Wales after being hit with unexpected parking fines. Despite being regular customers, some have been charged up to £265 for a visit to the OK Diner in Northop Hall. The restaurant, which specializes in classic American dishes from the 1950s, has a reputation for affordable prices, with most meals costing less than £15. However, recent reviews have been negative due to the newly installed parking restrictions.
Many long-time customers are now reconsidering their loyalty to the OK Diner. As of May 1st, customers are required to register their vehicle details on a tablet upon entering the Northop Hall location, where parking is reserved for diners only. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £100, thanks to the use of APNR cameras managed by Smart Parking. The diner shared an image of the sign-in tablet on their Instagram page, but it seems that not all customers were aware of these new rules.
Some reviewers have expressed frustration at not being informed about the parking restrictions, with one person stating, "Who notices a parking sign on a practically empty car park somewhere you’re planning to eat?" Another customer shared their experience of being fined despite following the procedure, saying, "I had entered my car registration but the tablet was hanging...I was assured by the waiting staff 'it will be fine it always takes a while' and was taken to my seat thinking I had done what was needed."
Dafydd Lawrie, Director at OK Diner, explained that the parking restrictions were implemented to address the issue of illegal parking in their car park, which often left no space for genuine customers. He also mentioned that the presence of other corporate businesses on site, such as Starbucks, had only worsened the problem. To avoid fines, customers are required to sign in their vehicle registration number on the tablet located in the reception area. Lawrie also stated that all staff have been trained to check for this and have a mobile tablet on hand to assist customers who may have missed the registration process.
In response to the negative reviews, Lawrie assured that every genuine customer who has received a parking charge has had the fine removed, including the family who paid £265 for breakfast. He added, "It’s a shame as I am local to the restaurant but it has put me off going again if this is how they treat loyal customers." Despite the inconvenience, the OK Diner continues to serve its popular dishes at affordable prices, and Lawrie hopes that customers will understand the need for the parking restrictions.
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