To escalate a complaint about how I was treated today in a car park?

[PViddy]

I'm coming to terms with some health issues so here for a different perspective as I've been feeling quite emotional lately.

Today was the first time I've been out after a period of confinement-I was a bit nervous but happy to have a bit more physical independence. I was knackered after an hour of using my crutches so decided to return home.

When I was ready to collect my car I struggled the get the payment into the ticket machine as my crutches kept slipping and falling (there was only one machine on this level) the woman behind me was tutting and sighing as I was taking too long. This prompted me to take my change quickly and I then stepped aside- crutches and bag fell so I gathered myself and made my way to the car-half way there I realised I'd left my token in the machine. By the time I'd made my way back the woman who was behind me(I'm guessing) took my paid for token (looked all around he machine and none was left)
I made my way to the ticket office and it was closed.

I made my way to the exit and buzzed an attendant and told him what had happened and asked if he could check the CCTV- his answer was unfortunately not- and informed me I'd be fined £15 and I'd have to go back up a floor to get a fine token and then pay. By this point I was struggling physically and asked if someone could help or get a token/pay online and was told no.

I asked why the office was shut (you can drive up and pay there) and was told the attendant was on light duties and wouldn't be summoned.

I haven't got a permit to park in a disabled spot yet but am I being unreasonable to think the car parking staff were lacking in customer service today? I'm very embarrassed to say I burst into tears when I spoke to them the first time.

The lady who took your ticket is the lowest of the low.

Unfortunately, given how dishonest people are, the attendant probably didn't believe your story

He should have helped you though

I'm hoping she took 2 by mistake

I think that's what upset me the most.
The attendant could have checked the CCTV and at least given me a chance.

I don't think it's always easy to check the CCTV and it would also likely be difficult to see exactly what happened.

I don't think the customer service was good but I'm not sure it was that bad either. I'd probably let it go and not give it anymore thought.

Hopefully your next trip out will be better

The attendant probably didn't have access to the TV recordings. But he could have helped you.

Oh OP, car parking attendants can be the worst.

I had an incident with a token machine, it ate my token and didn't register it and wouldn't spit it back out. Pressed the help button on the machine, got told to go to the ticket office. Went to ticket office (different floor) and it was closed. Pressed to help button on the machine next to the ticket office & again got told to go to ticket office After explaining what has happened. When I pointed out that it was closed they ummed and aaahhhed then told me to drive to the exit barrier. And when I pressed the help button on the exit barrier they had no idea about any of it, but eventually let me out. Nightmare! Were you able to drive around to collect another token?

As an aside, it might be worth talking to an attendant when you arrive at the car park and asking if you could park in a disabled space due to on your crutches. I've been waved in to a disabled space by an attendant when I had 2 very young DCs in car seats in the back before. He had just watched someone with a much older child pull into the last remaining parent and child space and took pity on me I think.

Don't let this dishearten you OP, think of how good it felt to be out and about again - that's a massive achievement today and deserves celebrating

It was lovely to be independent
I'm not sure 40 minutes to sort out parking (too slow walking about) was good

But yes- it did feel good to be out. Thank you x