I had the opportunity to explore the infamous NCP car park on Westgate Street, which has been dubbed the “largest urinal” by disgruntled users. Despite its prime city centre location, this car park has garnered a reputation for being one of the worst in terms of cleanliness, accessibility, and overall user experience. According to Google reviews, it is not only one of the most expensive car parks in Cardiff but also one of the most despised.
Many users have raised concerns about the narrow parking spaces, exorbitant prices, lack of signage, and overall unpleasantness of the car park. Complaints range from the strong smell of urine to the absence of security personnel, leaving visitors feeling unsafe, especially during evening hours. Some users have even described it as a “concrete urinal” due to its uninviting atmosphere and lack of adequate facilities.
One dissatisfied user, Justin Woodfield, expressed shock at being charged £23.80 for just over 3 hours of parking, denouncing it as “daylight robbery.” Other visitors have highlighted the challenges of navigating the tight spaces and inadequate facilities, with one user, David Steer, lamenting the lack of clear signage and accessibility issues. The overall consensus from reviews is overwhelmingly negative, painting a grim picture of the NCP car park on Westgate Street.
During my visit to the car park, I encountered the same issues echoed in the reviews. The pungent smell in the stairwell was unmistakable, and the cramped parking spaces made maneuvering a challenge. Additionally, while one of the lifts was operational, its narrow size could pose difficulties for individuals with prams or wheelchairs. The single pedestrian entrance, located next to the cars, also raised safety concerns, particularly at night.
In terms of pricing, the NCP on Westgate Street charges £5.95 for 0-1 hour of parking, escalating to £32.95 for 5-24 hours. Despite offering an early bird deal at £10.95 for the day, many users have criticised the lack of clear price information, leading to confusion and frustration. In comparison, other nearby car parks such as St David’s and John Lewis offer more affordable rates, making the NCP car park a less attractive option for visitors.
When examining the overall landscape of Cardiff car parks, the NCP car parks on Westgate Street stand out as the priciest options, prompting users to seek alternative parking solutions. Despite its central location and proximity to key attractions, the negative feedback and high costs associated with the NCP car park have tarnished its reputation among visitors and residents alike.
As NCP declined to comment on the criticisms levelled against their Westgate Street car park, it appears that improvements are necessary to address the various issues highlighted by users. From cleanliness and accessibility to pricing transparency and security measures, there is a clear need for upgrades to restore confidence in this once-dismal parking facility.