M Theron of Montgomery Park writes:
Cresta Shopping Centre has recently decided to charge for open parking supposedly as part of a security solution.
During the week the first hour is free which works well for those people who don’t work and can run errands during the week.
On the weekend there is a flat rate of R8.
I don’t think that the management has bothered to consider how this affects working people such as myself who frequently make several trips to Cresta on the weekend.
There is no longer a safe place to drop my kids off for the movies, and pick them up a few hours later without paying R8 each time.
If I need to run errands such as getting printing done, buying gifts, or updating data on my cellphone, or buying groceries I need to pay R8 each time.
Even the salon I go to is at Cresta.
I feel frustrated and annoyed.
It seems like a money-making scheme and not a security feature.
If I am going to order takeaways for supper, I would rather go somewhere else in future.
Dropping off for movies is free at Rosebank and Hyde Park (there is a 15-minute grace period) even in the covered parking.
There are other shopping centres in the area.
I guess I am going to go to Cresta less and less.
