A cinema-goer was left fuming after being slapped with a £60 fine for parking just over three hours while watching Dune: Part Two.
The customer took to social media to vent their frustration after the incident at Cineworld in Llandudno Junction, North Wales., claiming the penalties will put people off going to the movies. This comes after parking charges were introduced at the car park outside the cinema, sparking a heated debate. Cineworld has responded by saying customers can extend their car park stay.
Another unhappy customer, Debbi Williams, had previously taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, on January 23 to share her experience at one Cineworld branch. She tweeted @cineworld, "Is it any wonder cinema visitor numbers are dwindling? Customers have to register car reg before watching a film, only to then get a £100 fine. I appeal the fine, reduced to £20! I parked legitimately but they don't believe me! " Cineworld responded that day on X, saying, "Hey Debbi, we're sorry to hear this. We do not own or operate any of the car parks surrounding our cinemas, any issues will need to be raised with the car park provider directly."
However, another customer posted on X under the account @knightsmk1, stating, "@northwaleslive @cineworld we have also just been given a £60 fine by @UKPCParking for parking just over 3hours at # Llandudno after going to watch Dune2 which is 3hrs long. Unclear signs. Stinks of extortion. We won't be going back to Cineworld sorry!".
Cineworld said on X: "Hi there, as advised in the comment you have responded to we do not operate, own or manage any of the car parks near to our cinemas. Any disputes will need to be made with the car park operator." But @knightsmk1 wasn't happy and wrote back: "I understand. I just thought you'd want to know why you are losing customers. My mistake."
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A sign showing parking charges at Junction Leisure Park near Cineworld in Llandudno Junction (DH Mark)This dispute started when North Wales Live reported that new parking fees would be introduced at the cinema in Llandudno Junction. Cineworld was forced to issue a statement after new parking enforcement signs sparked a backlash from customers. They warned of a three hour maximum stay at the car park with a potential £100 fine for those who stay too long.
With many blockbusters now running well over two hours - and three hours in the case of Oppenheimer and Dune: Part Two - there were concerns people would get caught out especially if they went for a meal too. Cineworld posted on Facebook to tell everyone about the changes after the signs went up. They posted: "As some of you are already aware we have new parking restriction for the car park that will be taking place from next week. We do realise that the restrictions in place do state that it is a maximum of a 3 hour stay. However, please don't worry!.
"We will have a tablet inside of the cinema which you will need to enter your car details into upon your arrival. This will allow you to extend your stay free of charge! We know that many of you love to come for a meal before your film or like to watch as many as you can in one day and the 3 hours just would not be enough."
Dune: Part Two is an epic science fiction movie starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya in an ensemble cast. UK Parking Control Ltd which runs the car park has been approached for a comment.
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