The courier has reported on the sentencing hearing of David Edmeades. Mr Edmeades was once nominated for Parking Person of the Year by his company, Smart Parking. However, behind the scenes he was cancelling parking charges but pocketing the refunds. To reduce the risk of discovery he only cancelled charges for motorists who paid straight away and did not appeal.
Over 3 years he managed to salt away £45,000. He was caught because he started refunding himself more than the actual charges. A colleague noticed a refund of £140 which was higher than the maximum parking charge of £90. Not so Smart then. Mr Edmeades was jailed for 18 months.
Smart Parking previously issued a press statement stating that the £45,000 embezzled was insignificant.
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As their accounts show they are haemorrhaging cash at A$ 1.8 million a quarter, the Prankster would tend to agree that £45,000 is a drop in the ocean.
Around 80% of Smart Parking's UK income is believed to come from their ASDA contract and so losing this contract would be a serious blow to Smart Parking.
The Prankster has noticed that in the past, no ASDA parking charges have been progressed to court, but this may be changing. Gladstones have been issuing threatening letters on behalf of Smart Parking relating to supermarket charges, as reported by pepipoo.
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The Prankster believes this is related to an ASDA parking charge, but has not yet confirmed this.
Of course, it might be the case that Smart Parking have decided to do a 'Civil Enforcement Limited' and sue motorists despite the wishes of the landowner. The Co-op know all about that! The Prankster will keep an eye on the situation.
Happy Parking
The Parking Prankster
Over 3 years he managed to salt away £45,000. He was caught because he started refunding himself more than the actual charges. A colleague noticed a refund of £140 which was higher than the maximum parking charge of £90. Not so Smart then. Mr Edmeades was jailed for 18 months.
Smart Parking previously issued a press statement stating that the £45,000 embezzled was insignificant.
Around 80% of Smart Parking's UK income is believed to come from their ASDA contract and so losing this contract would be a serious blow to Smart Parking.
The Prankster has noticed that in the past, no ASDA parking charges have been progressed to court, but this may be changing. Gladstones have been issuing threatening letters on behalf of Smart Parking relating to supermarket charges, as reported by pepipoo.
Of course, it might be the case that Smart Parking have decided to do a 'Civil Enforcement Limited' and sue motorists despite the wishes of the landowner. The Co-op know all about that! The Prankster will keep an eye on the situation.
Happy Parking
The Parking Prankster