ParkRight is damaging trading and tourist opportunities in Shrewsbury, the chairman of the town’s business chamber has claimed.

Simon Airey said the chamber was continually approached by members of the business community with complaints about ParkRight wardens.

Mr Airey said: “We are concerned about the effect of the ParkRight operating procedures because it appears to be damaging trading and tourist opportunities. People are telling us they will shop elsewhere.

“Some local tradesmen are refusing to visit town centre properties for fear of the parking regulations.

“Communication seems to be a problem as commercial organisations are unaware of waivers, for example, for temporary parking in contravention of the regulations.

“They are available from Shropshire County Council with full details on their website.”

Mr Airey said the chamber would be holding a meeting with ParkRight to encourage a more tolerant attitude in the town.

He said: “I recently met Tony Randall, director of the Heritage Glass Group, whose driver had received a parking ticket, but he was unaware of the waiver system. There is clearly some way to go in publicising the working methods of ParkRight.”

Mr Randall, president of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce said: “The waivers have to obtained in advance, but we do not know in advance whether we would require a waiver or not. We have had lots of feedback from members on this topic, but now I have first-hand experience of the problems.”

Phil Crossland, Shropshire County Council’s assistant director for transport and highways, said he welcomed a meeting with the chamber.

He said: “We are happy to take into consideration these concerns and any suggestions the Shrewsbury Business Chamber has for better publicity.

“Information about ParkRight can be found on its dedicated website, through various stakeholders and through the press.”

By Rebecca Lawrence