I just wanted to see what everyone's thoughts are on the parking fine today?
I'm disabled by back and joint problems that effect my mobility particularly in the mornings. I have a blue disabled parking badge.
Anyway over the last 3 weeks on Mondays I have been learning some massage techniques and aromatherapy in an attempt to help myself and my a pain a bit. I have about an hour of theory then I have a massage to help me feel a bit better.
The car park only allows 3 hours parking but I'm usually back to my car in that time. I park in a disabled space and clearly display my blue badge.
Today I was very dizzy after my massage, due to this was late back to my car by about 10 minutes. The traffic warden was there and had given me a ticket. According to the ticket h had observed my car at 9:55am and issued my ticket at 12:57pm. I was actually able to speak to the traffic warden and politely explain my predicament, not that he could repeal the ticket.
So thoughts? Should I suck it up and pay? I was late back after all or do I have ground for appeal?
The other point is there is of course a possibility that whilst I have a massage this could happen again
Hi i'm no expert .....was the car park on private land ?
or dealt with by local authority ? or a fine by police as this makes a difference according to CAB parking pages. :
I thought I heard somewhere that people were now given a 10 minute leeway when parking? Did that even happen? Able and disabled parkers have to abide by the rules and its very unfortunate that you missed the deadline by a couple of minutes. I would appeal and throw yourself on their mercy and I would have thought they may well be sympathetic. Perhaps best to approach it from acknowledging that your were in the wrong but medical circumstances prevented you getting back in time by the slimmest of margins which does illustrate that you were not deliberately trying to overstay. Good luck.
The government are supposed to be bringing in law to allow 10mins grace period before ticket issued. As you mention traffic warden then presumably council car park? You local town website will have a section on parking, presumably there is appeals process?
If it was a private carpark then read the many threads on the subject.
I also concur with David but would add upon submitting your appeal you point out that it was in the interests of road safety that you delayed your return to the vehicle allowing yourself to recover from the treatment.........Mick
It's not a fine, it's an invoice asking you to pay them.
Yes definitely appeal, what company is it? if it's a council run car park the appeals do get heard and listened to, if it's a private car park then you are at their mercy.
Appeal stating what others have said and if they reject your reasons ask for a POPLA number and take it to the next stage, get proof of postage on anything you send to them.
If you fail at the POPLA appeal and feel that as you did overstay it's up to you but you can pay then, the cost won't go up but it's worth a try.
I'm usually in agreement that rules is rules but in general on this one it feels I'm disadvantaged when an able bodied person can walk the distance in 1 minute so could get the full 3 hours but I take a good 4 mins to cross the road and 5 minutes to get up the stairs (there are 3 flights). So my journey to and from takes 18 minutes off my 3 hours parking and an able bodied person gets 2 hours 58 minutes. But yes rules is rules.
Council will be more understanding than a private company. Defend under provisions of the Equalities Act, especially for such a short overstay. Also bring to their attention Mr Pickles '10 minute leeway' guidance documents.
Phew that is a relief, there is a proper procedure for council car parks and they do look at individual cases and can act sympathetically,unlike private companies.
My wife works for bailiffs ( who work on behalf of councils and other local authorities) and always offers the same advice to anyone in a similar position.. Pay the fine immidiately then appeal for a refund, explaining your grounds. If you don't pay it, the fees may escalate, and you won't get those back. Good luck.
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Topic: Parking fine thoughts please?
