A cinema enthusiast from West Sussex has been hit with an unexpected penalty charge after a lengthy trip to see the latest blockbuster at Cineworld in Chichester. The reader, who wishes to be identified only as AR from Bognor Regis, received the fine for overstaying in the car park while watching Avatar: Fire and Ash.
The Unwelcome Surprise After the Credits Rolled
The film, which runs for more than three hours, led to an automatic penalty charge notice (PCN) being issued. AR had previously watched the earlier Avatar films at the same location without any issues. The problem arose because the landowner managing the car park had reduced the maximum parking allowance from four hours to three last summer, a change that caught regular patrons off guard.
While signs in the car park display the new limit, Cineworld's booking confirmation emails make no mention of it. Crucially, the cinema chain also introduced a new requirement for customers to register their vehicle registration plate on a screen upon arrival. AR states they saw no clear instructions informing them of this mandatory step.
Who is Responsible for the Parking Fines?
When contacted, Cineworld stated it does not own or manage the car park and pointed to the signage advising customers of the rules. The company initially insisted it had no responsibility for the PCNs issued. However, following intervention by a consumer champion, Cineworld agreed to cancel AR's penalty charge.
This incident is not isolated. Customers at other Cineworld sites across the country have found themselves in similar situations following the reduction in parking time limits on some of the chain's sites. The change poses a particular risk for viewers attending long films, where the runtime alone can push them over a three-hour threshold.
Key Takeaways for Cinema-Goers
The situation highlights several important points for consumers:
- Always check for updated parking signs, even at familiar locations, as terms can change.
- Be aware that cinema booking confirmations may not contain all necessary parking information.
- If a new registration system is in place, look for prompts or screens immediately upon entering the car park.
- For films over three hours, proactively confirm the parking arrangements with the venue.
While Cineworld resolved this specific case, the onus remains on customers to navigate the often complex rules of privately managed car parks. The experience serves as a stark reminder to always double-check the terms and conditions before leaving your vehicle, even for a routine trip to the movies.
