Parking changes at Wildlife Trail in Norwich criticised

The Wildlife Trail lies just south of the university's lake and is a popular spot for family strolls and dog walking, accessible via a car park at the end of Colney Lane.

Parking was free until recently when a time restriction of two hours was implemented, soon followed by a charging scheme which walkers must pay for via a mobile phone app. 

The entrance to the car park, showing no signage or tariff boards (Image: Google Maps)

But this change has been "catching people out" due to not being clear enough.

"Apart from the signage which to a casual glance just indicates that parking is limited to four hours, there is no prominent sign or tariff board at the entrance to indicate that you are entering a chargeable parking zone," said one man, who asked not to be named.

"This would be usual in city car parks and expected by most road users.

"I counted 12 penalty notices on people's cars today because of this, including mine.

Car parking signs are behind each row of vehicle bays (Image: Newsquest)

"We can't all be deliberate law breakers."

Instead of a single information board, each of the four parking bays, totalling 30 spaces overall, has a Parking Operations post with the charges attached. 

Despite its name, the car park is not owned or managed by the UEA, but the Borough Council of West Norfolk which operates parking services for all of Norfolk's councils.

Having paid the £25 fine, the 81-year-old man attempted to raise objections but found the task "impossible".

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"Challenging via the council's website isn't possible because as well as the penalty note number and the car registration number it asks for a web code number which should be on the penalty note - but it isn't," he added.

"Parking now seems restricted to only people who have a mobile phone and feel comfortable about doing business this way.

There are four posts with associated charge signage in the car park (Image: Newsquest)

"In places like Eaton Park, the terms are clear and the fees are specific. You also get a ticket from the machine to put in your windscreen.

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"The setup in Colney seems like a cheap trick to make money.

"I've no objection to paying parking fees legitimately but I think this arrangement falls down on so many levels."

West Norfolk Borough Council has been approached for comment.