'If it's not broke why fix it': Shoppers split over Fairhill’s new ‘pay-on-arrival’ parking as centre prepares for Primark surge next month

Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena has announced changes to its parking system as it prepares for a surge in visitors when Primark opens next month.

Centre management confirmed in a social media announcement that a new ‘paying on arrival’ option has been added, aimed at reducing queues at payment machines during what is expected to be an exceptionally busy launch period.

In the post yesterday (Friday), the centre manager explained: Dear Customers, In anticipation of Primark opening and the Centre being a lot busier than usual, we have been reviewing the parking system and have added the option of paying on arrival when you park at the Centre. This is with a view to help reduce queues at payment machines during what will be an exceptionally busy time.

"Customers will be familiar with paying for parking upon arrival as this is the system used in all the town centre car parks, private or council owned.

“The steps are clearly set out at each machine and are easy to follow. Customers can either go to the payment machines upon arrival or when they are leaving the car park. Customers will enter their vehicle registration and then select how long they intend to be at the Centre. This is the main difference with the new system as customers will have to select one of the time ranges for their stay.

"We have added a new 30 minute tariff for people who are just nipping in for some essentials, thereafter you select up to 90 minutes, up to 3 hours, up to 6 hours or all day. Once you select the time range the machine prompts payment by coin or card as before.

"If you paid upon arrival and then happen to then stay longer than you anticipated, you can simply go back to the machine before you leave and top up the time accordingly. Like before, you can also pay on exit too, repeating the same process as above.

"As customers get used to this amendment, they will have to keep a note of their timings as they come and go, just as you would in any of the council operated car parks around the town.

“The easiest and quickest way for all Customers to pay for their parking is via the Ringo parking app using the location code 58626. Regarding PCNs, it has always been the case that people contravening the parking system will be issued with a PCN and this is an important aspect of managing the car park for the benefit of all customers.

“Apologies for any inconvenience caused by introducing this amendment and thanks for your patience.”

The announcement sparked a mixed response online. Some welcoming the added flexibility and praising the centre for preparing early ahead of the busy festive season.

However, others criticised the change, arguing that the requirement to pre-select stay times is confusing and may deter customers. Several customers also expressed frustration at having to estimate how long they will be in the centre, with a number saying they would choose to park elsewhere.

One shopper explained: “Just in time for the Primark opening! The new pay-on-arrival option sounds like a game-changer. I'm excited to try it out and avoid those long queues. Fingers crossed it makes the shopping experience smoother for everyone!”

Another explained: “You can pay on exit as well as long as you have kept a note of when you arrived. Not sure it’s useful paying when you arrive as not everyone knows how long they’ll be shopping for! I had to email the Centre to find this out.”

However a not so happy customers stated: “The new system is not good - asks you how long you intend to be there or how long you have been there - not everyone remembers the exact time they came into the car park - but the car park system knows when you entered.

“So just have it like most sensible systems - you pay when leaving and the system know when you entered, the time you're paying at and its one visit to the payment machine, simples

“If you have prepaid and perhaps overstayed - to say to simply go back and top it up, means queuing again at the payment machine - and increases the demand on the parking machine.

“Keep it simple - scan the number plate on entry and pay on your way out as the system calculates the time parked and amount due..”

Another added: “What a load of balls!!!! Who knows how long they are going to be shopping??? You might think 1hr then bump into a friend or family member and go and sit for a coffee and a chat for God knows how long. There is an old saying "If it's not broke why fix it."

The new Ballymena store will open at Fairhill Shopping Centre on Friday, December 5 at 10am.