Woman shocked after she was charged nearly €5,400 for two-hour car park stay
'It was surreal - I just couldn't fathom that they had taken that money.'
A woman in the UK was left in shock after she was charged nearly €5,400 for a two-hour car park stay.
Yaditi Kava had £4,586 taken out of her bank account, instead of the £4.50 it should have cost her.
The mother was on a shopping trip with her two daughters when she parked at a multi-storey car park at Queensmere Observatory Shopping Centre in Slough.
She told the BBC that she decided to pay at the exit barrier, rather than at the pay station.
She said she thought the '4,5' displayed on the machine was £4.50, but instead received a text message informing her that £4,586 had been taken from her bank account.
Yaditi Kava (Image: Facebook)
News in 90 Seconds - June 18th
'I tapped my contactless card, then a message displayed saying I needed to enter my PIN,' she told the broadcaster.
'I was in a rush, the girls were getting tired, and I did not see the number on the small card machine.
'The big display showed '4,5', so I thought it was £4.50,' she explained.
'To my shock, I saw that they had deducted not £4.50 but £4,586 from my account.
'It was surreal - I just couldn't fathom that they had taken that money.'
The 39-year-old had to wait to speak to the manager on the following Monday, who told her the machine was faulty.
'He made a receipt on 19 May and assured me I would see that money in my account within 2-3 working days,' she said.
Three weeks later, she was still not refunded.
'I'm going through a divorce at the moment and had saved that money to pay legal fees.
'I was going to call off my daughter's birthday party, it was a lot of stress,' she added.
The money was finally refunded after she contacted the BBC's consumer rights programme - the JVS show,
Savills, the company behind the car park, told the broadcaster that it was an 'isolated incident.'
'Savills can confirm that it is aware of an isolated incident concerning an anomaly with a parking charge in the car park.
'We have been in regular contact with the customer to rectify the issue as a matter of priority and can confirm a full refund is being processed.
'This was a very unusual occurrence, and we are investigating the car park system to prevent this from happening in the future.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
an hour ago
- Sunday World
Men ordered to stand trial accused of IRA membership and having weapons
'We are New IRA, we are here to clean up the bars, if you don't clean up the bars we are going to do it - the bars are full of drugs' Three men were ordered to stand trial accused of IRA membership and having weapons. Standing side by side in the dock of Coleraine Magistrates Court, the three all confirmed their identities and that they were aware of the charges against them. The three men are: Michael Conwell, 31, from Castleton Square, Fintona; Dermot Burke, 60, from Bass Road in Dungiven; Oisin Conwell, 18, from the Gortscreagan Road in Claudy. The trio are jointly charged with two counts of membership of a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA, possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possessing weapons in a public place, namely two metal poles. None of the background facts were opened in court but previous courts have heard how three masked men entered a number of licensed premises in Dungiven on 19 January 2024. Michael Conwell According to the police case, Michael Conwell 'leads the charge' with the firearm in his left hand as the trio of masked terrorists visited four pubs and St. Candice's GAA club over the course of an hour between 7-8pm. The gang declared to patrons during their 30 second visits: 'we are New IRA, we are here to clean up the bars, if you don't clean up the bars we are going to do it - the bars are full of drugs.' Dermot Burke Previous courts have heard how detectives had obtained CCTV footage from the various premises, and data from a Ford car connected to Michael Conwell, which suggests the Ford car met up with a white Citreon van in the car park of Owenbeg GAA on the Foreglen Road in Dungiven. That van was then used to transport the masked terrorists to each of the pubs, as well as St. Candice's GAA club. Police believe the registration plate of the van had been 'doctored with black tape' but that in actuality, the van belongs to Burke's employers and he regularly drives it. There was also evidence obtained by police which connected Michael Conwell to his mother's white motability Ford Ecosport car and also that a mobile attributable to him had been in contact on numerous occasions both before and after the incident, with Burke's mobile number. Michael Conwell and Dermot Burke News in 90 Seconds - June 18th The court heard that while the mobile phones of both Burke and Conwell show no activity during the hour while the masked terrorists make their intimidatory pub crawl, suggesting they had been switched off, Michael Conwell's Ford ecosport has a built in SIM card. A detective told the court that within 24 hours of Burke being arrested, someone had tried to perform a 'factory reset' on the car infotainment system to delete data stored on it but despite that, a PSNI technical officer had been able to retrieve GPS data which puts the car entering the Owenbeg car park at a time when it parks up beside the van used by the terrorists. In court, a prosecuting lawyer submitted there was a case to answer against each of the defendants and their respective lawyers conceded the point. None of the three commented in the charges or called evidence on their own behalves. Freeing them all on continuing bail, District Judge Peter King returned the case to Belfast Crown Court and although he did not specify a date for their arraignment, he said it was likely to be on 12 September.
The Journal
5 hours ago
- The Journal
Inside and outside the Kneecap courtroom: Film directors, The Fields of Athenry, and a few police
Rónán Duffy reports from London The Journal / YouTube MARYLEBONE ROAD IN central London is a busy thoroughfare on any morning, but today a section of it was completely thronged, thanks to Kneecap's ability to draw an audience. The crowd was noisy and numbered in several hundred – but confined as it was to the path and the area immediately outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, from within it, it felt like more. There was some pushing, given the numbers and the tight space available. A small but visible police presence prevented the protest from spilling over onto rush hour traffic. Around the corner, there was a much larger fleet of police vans, presumably on standby, but the full contingent was not required or deployed. 'Spancil Hill' and 'The Fields of Athenry' Outside the court building, there was even a stage erected to provide the tunes. 'Spancil Hill' and 'The Fields of Athenry' got an airing before the mic was handed to high-profile solicitor Darragh Mackin, once the legal business of the day was done. Kneecap's Moglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) also addressed the crowd and attendant media to big up the band's upcoming – and, in the UK, controversial – performance at Glastonbury. 'For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. If you can't be there we'll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine. Smoke bombs were let off as Kneecap exited the court. TheJournal TheJournal The man of the moment, Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), did not speak outside, speaking only briefly inside the court to confirm his identity . Inside the packed courtroom, such was the number of journalists that media spilled over from the press benches to the public gallery, there were no spare seats once the hearing began. Also in the public gallery were Mo Chara's bandmates and their manager, Daniel Lambert, who were seated with film director Trevor Birney, who produced the Kneecap film. Film director Jim Sheridan was also in the public gallery. Speaking to The Journal , Sheridan said he 'knows the lads', meaning Kneecap, after attending their gigs and meeting them at the Irish Film and Television Awards. Sheridan directed In The Name of the Father, about the Guildford Four miscarriage of justice, which featured Emma Thompson as human rights lawyer Gareth Peirce. Peirce is now a member of Kneecap's legal team and Sheridan said that knows her too. The Journal / YouTube Ó hÁnnaidh is being prosecuted under the anglicised name O'Hanna and chief magistrate Paul Goldspring referenced Ó hAnnaidh's Irish name. Goldspring said that unsuccessful attempts were made to have an Irish language interpreter present in court today but that 'we'll try and sort one' for the next court date on 20 August. Ó hAnnaidh's team confirmed that he speaks English but said it's his second language, and they therefore formally requested an interpreter for the next hearing. Northern Ireland-based Irish-language coalition An Dream Dearg had members both inside and outside the courtroom supporting Mo Chara. The hearing was delayed by almost an hour such was the chaos that greeted the band's arrival. Ó hAnnaidh arriving at court today. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo A van emblazoned with the words 'More blacks, more dogs, more Irish, Mo Chara' did laps of the area, drawing cheers each time it passed by. The arrival of Kneecap was heralded by a post on their Instagram stories which said they were '20 mins away a chairde Gael'. Given the traffic and general madness of the entire scene the band arrived bang on 10am and had to force their way through the crowd of protesters and media to the glass doors of the court building. Mo Chara was wearing a keffiyeh scarf around his neck and dark sunglasses. Advertisement The third member of the band, DJ Provaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), was wearing his trademark tricolour balaclava and was able to wear the balaclava inside the court building for a number of minutes before a member of security told him he would have to remove it to walk through the metal detectors. About 20 people spilled into the building along with Kneecap, while about 50 more were content with staying in the narrow foyer between the metal detectors and the doors. The scene outside the courthouse as Mo Chara arrived. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The Met Police inside the building kept a distance from the scrum, although they reminded supporters that there was strictly no photography allowed inside the building. The actual hearing lasted about 15 minutes and was adjourned until 20 August, when both sides will present arguments relating to a dispute over the jurisdiction of the court. The dispute relates to the time period between the date of the alleged offence on 21 November 2024 and Ó hAnnaidh being charged in May 2025. Brenda Campbell, for Ó hAnnaidh, said his team would be arguing that the charge was brought outside the six-month limit and that if this is found to be the case the prosecution would fall. The judge agreed that this would be the case should the defence win the argument on the disputed dates. During the hearing, the allegations against Ó hAnnaidh were summarised by prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, who said: 'It's not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel. 'He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else. 'The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr Ó hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. Outside Rónán Duffy / X (Formerly Twitter) After the hearing, Kneecap emerged from the courthouse when Mackin took to the makeshift stage. There, Mackin framed the case as one about freedom of expression. 'Oppression fears the freedom of expression, but the reality is Kneecap will stand up for freedom of expression and defend not only their rights but the rights of artists all around the world,' he said. Do not be afraid, we are on the right side of history. Fifty-one people were shot an killed yesterday in Gaza as they queued for flour. 'If the British government had any sense of history, they will know they have already lost.' Many people present at today's protest expressed similar sentiments, saying the case was about the right to freedom of expression and freedom to protest. Several referenced the fact that while Mo Chara is getting significant publicity for the charges he is facing, other pro-Palestine protesters are facing similar charges – and are being held on remand in some cases. Pepper, from Essex, attended the protest with her friend Kiki. 'It's really important to protect the right to free speech and standing up against the genocide in Palestine, especially with the pro-Palestine prisoners right now. 'Activists in general are getting criminalised and called terrorists for no reason. Meanwhile, the UK government is getting away with so much, so many war crimes. They're complicit and actively participating in the genocide,' Kiki said. Kiki and Pepper from Essex. The Journal The Journal Pepper, said they were both fans of Kneecap and had been to see them at the Wide Awake Festival in London a few weeks ago. 'We wanted to be here to not let Mo Chara go down quietly or let this slip under the radar, because that's not fair. 'It is completely hypocritical, considering all the time, effort, and money that's going into it. I'm really happy everyone showed up today to make an example of how ridiculous it is, and to highlight what we really need to be focusing on,' she said. Andrea Torrejon, originally from Spain but now living in the UK, said Kneecap were targeted after they spoke out at Coachella and people then 'dug up' clips from a concert months before. 'I think the fact is they were trying to bring up stuff that happened last year, just because they dared to speak out at a concert, a concert where other people also spoke out,' she said. 'They went through Twitter, they went through everything. It makes no sense, and it's really worrying not just for them, but for everyone.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
My hardware shop survived two world wars, recessions & Covid – now Rachel Reeves has KO'd it after 160 years
FOR 160 years Mogford & Son has been a trusty hardware shop just like the one seen in the Two Ronnies' famous 'fork handles' sketch. But running a small independent shop has become no laughing matter for its current owner Paul Gillam. 5 After 160 years, surviving two world wars and Covid, rising costs have sounded the death knell for Mogford & Son Credit: Jon Rowley 5 A snap of W.H Mogfrod & Son taken in 1920 Credit: Jon Rowley 5 Current owner Paul Gillam has blamed rising costs, including Rachel Reeves' National Insurance hike, for having to shutter the store for good Credit: AP Because of a tsunami of rising costs, including Rachel Reeves' employer National Insurance increase, Paul, 57, has been forced to call it a day. At the end of September Mogford — one of Britain's oldest shops — will close its doors for the final time. This Aladdin's cave has survived two world wars, READ MORE UK NEWS Close to tears, Paul told The Sun: 'I'm working seven days a week but things have got more expensive. From staffing costs to National Insurance and bank charges. 'The car park up the road has started to charge £2, so people can no longer park for free, because the council is short of cash. My business rates keep going up. 'It's been a hard decision but I can't carry on.' Standing at the till, Paul is surrounded by thousands of objects for the home, from bamboo and compost to jubilee clips and, of course, candles. Most read in The Sun He has a wry smile as he poses with four candles, like shopkeeper There are house numbers, bolts, rabbit food and aquarium cleaners all stacked neatly on shelving that has carried everything the local community could want for the past century and a half. Popular bank with over 400 spots confirms it is shutting 18 branches in August – it follows 148 closures by rivals Paul's wife Babs, 55, who has been working in the shop since two staff retired recently, not to be replaced, says: 'The Government say they want to keep High Streets open but then all the banks close. "Then the car parks start charging, then the shops close. People end up going online or to one of the big retailers.' The car park up the road has started to charge £2, so people can no longer park for free, because the council is short of cash. My business rates keep going up. Paul To try to counter the online threat, Paul's shop has a Facebook page and offers a delivery service. He charges £1 for anything under £20 and free delivery on orders over 20 quid. Paul makes just £1.60 on a bag of compost and in 30 years of working at Mogford he has never increased all his prices at once to keep pace with inflation. He raises prices as little as possible and he reluctantly puts a £3 limit on the card machine because of the cost of using it. Paul would have liked his daughter Sophie and grandson James to take over but he decided they would be better off in jobs with a future . Paul remembers walking past Mogford's shop as a boy. He says: 'There was everything round here. 'Clothes shops, shoe shops, butchers, fishmongers, greengrocers. You could get every single thing you wanted.' He points across the road to the shops that have closed down — a newsagent's, a women's accessories shop and a shoe repair bar. He says: 'When Covid happened, we were considered an essential business. I will close the doors with a heavy heart Paul 'We extended our hours, opening at 6am and not closing until 9pm because our footfall went up so much with people working from home, and we wanted to help.' When The Sun visited, all morning there was a steady stream of customers coming in to buy goods from washers to dog bowls , super glue to carpet cleaner. Paul knows most of them by name and all seem upset that the shop will be gone in just ten weeks' time. They say it's the latest nail in the coffin for their High Street and they don't know what they'll do when Paul locks up for the final time. He says: 'I will close the doors with a heavy heart. 'It's not for lack of trying either but there's simply nothing I can do. I'm breaking even and have been for a while, so I've been left with no choice.' 5 Paul told The Sun: 'I'm working seven days a week but things have got more expensive. From staffing costs to National Insurance and bank charges' Credit: Jon Rowley 5 Paul knows most of the customers by name, and all seem upset that the shop will be gone in just ten weeks' time Credit: Jon Rowley
