That sign only has a premium rate phone number.
An operator that only provides a premium rate phone number for contact on a contractual terms sign fails to comply with the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013:
Regulation 41 stipulates that traders cannot charge consumers more than the basic rate for telephone calls when contacting them about an existing contract. If the operator’s sign only displays a premium rate number, it can be argued that they fail to comply with this regulation, particularly when drivers need to contact them for inquiries or issues related to the parking terms.
Consumer Rights Act 2015:
• Section 62 requires that contract terms be fair and not create a significant imbalance to the detriment of the consumer. Only offering a premium rate phone number can be seen as an unfair term, creating an unreasonable barrier to obtaining information or raising concerns.
• Section 68 emphasises that terms must be transparent. This means they should be expressed in plain, intelligible language and presented in a way that consumers can understand. If only a premium rate number is provided, it may not meet the requirement of transparency, especially if it imposes an unexpected cost on consumers simply for making contact.
