Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 07-02-2017

Radio Islam has learnt that parking tariffs at the Trade Route Mall in Lenasia is on average between 20 & 30% more expensive compared to other shopping centres.

Residents and shoppers of Lenasia have voiced their anger on social media about the exorbitant parking tariffs with many saying they are being ripped off by the shopping centre.

Comparisons of the parking rates for Trade Route Mall, Mall of the South and The Glen show that on average, Trade Route Mall is between R 2 and R 30 more expensive than other shopping centres in close proximity to Lenasia.

This is a comparison between Trade Route mall and other malls.

_{PIC: Parking Tariffs Comparison – Ammara Patel}

Lenasia shopper Muhammad Laloo says he was at the Mall of Africa in Midrand last week and expected to pay more than R 70 for a whole days parking.

“I had a pleasant surprise, when I was informed by the parking attendant that the parking has a flat rate of R 10 on the weekend. Trade Route has no concession and that makes us want to shop elsewhere.”

Other residents of Lenasia also expressed their frustrations about the Trade Routes parking charges on Facebook.

Trade Route Mall marketing manager Lindi Dlamini says they are aware of the complaints from shoppers regarding the parking tariffs.

“We can’t just ignore our shoppers. Our centre is dependent on our shoppers. As we are working on the strategy for the year, we have discussed that we need to work out a flat rate to make it convenient for our shoppers.”

Dlamini says the amount of the flat rate for the parking has not yet been determined.

“We haven’t confirmed the amount so we really haven’t come up with a figure. I know some malls are charging a flat rate of R 10 like on weekends. So those are the logistics that we are finalising.”

Dlamini says the cost of parking is a pressing issue and is being urgently addressed by the management of Trade Route Mall.

Twitter: @FaizelPatel143