Friars Walk — Local services in Newport

Newport's crown jewel of urban planning – a car park that's a masterclass in "What Not To Do." Because nothing says "we care" like a poorly designed car park in an area struggling with poverty and homelessness. It's like someone took a checklist of common-sense design principles and said, "Let's do the exact opposite while we're at it."

First up, the pillars. Ah, the pillars. Perfectly spaced to fit... well, nothing quite right. Too close for three cars, too far for two – truly a Goldilocks dilemma for the automotive world. Clearly, someone was aiming for a modern art installation rather than functional parking.

Next, the ticket points. Positioned with the precision of a dart throw after a few too many drinks. It's a fun game of "Will My Wheel Survive?" every time you try to grab a ticket. If you manage to get it right on the first attempt, you deserve a medal – or at least a sticker.

And let's not forget the payment machines. Ah, the payment machines. So slow, they make a sloth look like Usain Bolt. Contactless? More like "Contact-Less Likely to Work." It's a feature, not a bug, right?

Oh, but the real pièce de résistance is the entry slip road. Often mistaken for a pop-up parking lot, it adds a delightful element of surprise to every entrance. Exiting? Who needs a slip road when you can play a game of chicken with oncoming traffic? It's like they thought roundabouts were just a suggestion.

But fear not, brave parker! Amidst this maze of poor choices, there's a silver lining. The location is unbeatable for quick shopping trips, and the pricing? A steal at only £1. Because nothing says "value" like risking life and limb in a car park designed by someone who's clearly never parked a car.

So, if you're in the mood for a sarcastic adventure in parking, look no further. This car park has it all – questionable design, challenging obstacles, and a price tag that's almost as laughable as the whole...

I am very disappointed in the car park. I usually park here all the time as i did this evening. I arrived just after 5.30 and left just after 6. I was there no longer than an hour. I got charged the day time hourly rate aswell as the night time rate. I havent seen this on the sign to tell you this. But either way, its disgusting. No wonder why people complain Newport. £2.50 to park less than an hour in friars walk, absolute joke! If you arrive in the day time rate thats what you should pay, not day time and night time on top....

SCAMERS. I parked for 36 minute but been charged for two services. 3 minutes a pound ( equivalent of 20 pounds per hour).... and after overnight fee for 33 minutes (£1.50)... so they charged me 13 hours parking for 33 minutes stay. Just to find out that shopping centre is closed at 6pm. Why not even 2 stars? Parking fees should be displayed before entrence, and if someone commenced parking before 6pm should be charged per 1 hour. You scamming shopers who will get to cars just seconds after shopping...