Grant Bruce of Roosevelt Park writes:
I am writing with regard to the increased security measures being implemented at Cresta Shopping Centre, which have been the subject of some controversy over the last few weeks.
While there has been some criticism of the mall management in how the controlled access to the open parking areas is being implemented, specifically, the impact it would have on both patrons and the existing car guards, I found myself coming down on the side of the mall management for responding positively to a call for improved security at the centre following a spate of armed robberies.
I was also pleased to read in Ashtyn Mackenzie’s ‘Cresta paid parking public meeting’ article (NMT, 4 August), that “the tariffs will include a one-hour free parking period as well as weekday and weekend flat rates after 6pm.”
I was, therefore, more than a little irritated when, at +-2.30pm on Monday, 10 August, after spending just half an hour at Cresta to donate blood, I was charged R8.00 for (uncovered) parking!
It would appear that, once again, either the communication is incorrect, incomplete, or (as I suspect), we are knowingly being spun one version for PR purposes and experiencing quite another in reality. Looking forward to the next installment in this saga.
Editor’s note: letter published unedited.
