ABERYSTWYTH University is to employ a controversial parking enforcement company for “back office support” and the collection of parking charges.

The university confirmed it has entered into a relationship with Excel Parking Ltd, a Sheffield-based company which has appeared in the pages of newspapers across the UK for its controversial enforcement practices.

In July, the Manchester Evening News reported that a woman in Manchester had won on appeal when she refused to pay Excel a £60 fine after she accidentally entered the wrong registration number at a pay and display machine.

And the Bradford Telegraph and Argus reported in July that Excel had quit a car park in Keighley, Bradford, after scores of complaints were made by enraged drivers about the firm’s practices. Excel denied any wrongdoing.

Speaking to the Cambrian News this week, a university spokesperson said: “Aberystwyth University has approximately 2,000 university-owned or controlled car parking spaces in Aberystwyth.

“All vehicles that park in these areas must display a valid parking permit or a valid pay and display parking ticket.

“To facilitate safe parking and traffic flow across the university estate, the university’s security team continues to operate a schedule of frequent patrols across all car parks using its own staff.

“Starting on Monday, 11 September 2017, the university will apply its parking enforcement scheme in partnership with its specialist advisors Excel Parking Ltd, an accredited operator, registered with the International Parking Community (IPC), the Accredited Trade Association in the Private Parking Sector.

“Aberystwyth University retains responsibility for patrols, and for the issuing of warning tickets and for levying charges applied for vehicles not parked in line with the university’s Parking Regulations.

“The university will, in addition, continue to operate its own in-house CCTV monitoring system.

“Excel Parking Ltd will provide back office support and will be responsible for the collection of fixed charge penalties on behalf of the university.

“Existing Aberystwyth University staff and student parking permits remain valid in-line with the new changes and until the date of expiry.

“All visitors — including staff and students not previously issued with a valid parking permit — will continue to use the pay and display car parks, which are subject to a charge.

“Alongside the new parking arrangements, the university continues to support sustainable travel choices and encourages the use of public transport and promotes the cycle ways and cycle racks as part of its wider environmental strategy.”