The Mall East Car Park

After shopping, headed to the pay stations outside Subway for the East car park. One machine was displaying an out of order message so went to the other pay station which was not even on. Had to wonder around to another pay station then head back. On exiting the car park the barrier was displaying an out of order sign so had to reverse and go to another barrier. Complete shambles!

If I could give minus stars. I would. DON’T PARK YOUR CAR ON THIS CARPARK. Spent 3 nights at the Travelodge so used the East side so called ‘secure’ car park. (Yes the sign on the road actually has the word secure printed on it) Allegedly it has won awards? Though my experience of this car park is anything but rewarding. Whilst there, the lifts and stairways reek of weed, but that’s not the worst part. I went back to my car to return home, started the engine and the deafening sound of the car gave me a shock. Why? Because I drive a hybrid and it’s usually very quiet! During my stay someone had stolen my Catalytic Converter. Called the police and notified via the Hotel Reception, the Mall Security. (Remember this bit about the Secure Parking?). Well it seems I was the first that day. And as a guy parking his Prius next to me pointed out. His had been stolen the fortnight previously and the Mall security had done nothing. The guard then admitted that it was a regular occurrence and there’s always guys in hi vis jackets doing the rounds and they’ve seen it on the CCTV. Which it seems was one camera on the fourth floor pointing from the far end in the dark. (No lights were on at 8am. They turned on around 8:15am.) No light at night. Lights on during the day!! It seems even though (according to the Mall Guard that they have seen the guys wearing Hi Vis jackets on CCTV and that they appear as mechanics working on a break down)They do not have CCTV evidence on record! Pathetic!! So. If you’re thinking of parking your car on here. Don’t. Unless you fancy a £1000+ bill for a new Converter. Or worse as I dread to think what could happen if the car owner caught the thieves at work! The CCTV seems to be used more for chasing people who owe the car park management money. Rather than assisting the police to catch the guys doing this! Needless to say. It’s unlikely now I’ll be staying at the Travelodge again as, although not their fault I won’t be playing Cat Roulette with my car. I was here to spend time in London for my birthday!! Well thanks to the Mall car parks lack of security I’m now £1000 out of pocket and will be letting as many people as I can know not just how poor the security is, but also where else to spend their time and money. Any where else. But here!!