In March, a company called Parkingeye was appointed to oversee parking at Kassam Stadium, aiming to reduce instances of prolonged and unauthorized parking by individuals not using the stadium or the recreational facilities. However, fans using the club shop have complained that the signs are "too small" and "misleading," resulting in fines.

Scam or customer oversight?

Supporters have reacted strongly to the new parking restrictions at Oxford United’s stadium, calling them a money-making scheme. It was also alleged that the parking company does not honor the 20-minute grace period introduced by the landowner, Firoka Group. This has added to the frustrations of fans who already feel burdened by additional costs and complications on match days. Amidst these concerns, many fans turned to BetBrain to look for betting odds and to stay informed, while trying to make the most of their overall experience despite the parking challenges.

Parkingeye asserts, however, that the parking area has clear and visible signs and describes the 20-minute grace period as reasonable. Users of the recreational facilities or fans visiting the ticket office or club shop can extend the grace period by up to four hours if vehicles are registered using a QR code. However, those using this service report otherwise.

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Fans complain

Season ticket holder Denise Moss used the car park before the play-off final at Wembley Stadium to buy hats and merchandise for her daughter's 18th birthday. She said she registered her vehicle in the shop but found it didn't help as she received a parking charge notice four days later. She was shocked to receive the parking fine because she exceeded the 20-minute grace period by just 19 seconds.

I did everything right. I parked and scanned the code, but I was still fined, and £100 is a lot of money for someone who just wants to support the local team, she told the Oxford Mail. Meanwhile, Ryan Vickers claims he received a notice after using the car park for 17 minutes on May 22 and is currently contesting the fine. Vickers described the parking process as ridiculous and a complete money-making scheme.

One fan, who requested anonymity, sent a letter to the Oxford Mail showing a parking charge notice of £100 for staying in the car park for 11 minutes while picking up an Oxford United kit for their one-year-old daughter. They have since appealed and reduced the amount to £20 but are still disputing the decision and awaiting a resolution.

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What does the company say?

A representative of the Oxford United Fans Page said, Oxford United fans should be celebrating reaching the Championship for the first time since 1999, rushing to the club shop for new season merchandise and showing their support. They shouldn't worry about getting parking fines during a 20-minute grace period. This isn't just an Oxford United issue but also affects anyone using the recreational facilities at Kassam.

A Parkingeye spokesperson denied the allegations, stating that the car park has clear and informative signs on how to responsibly use the parking area.