Pensioner slapped with high-quality for overstaying in automotive park for 11 seconds | UK | News | EUROtoday

A pensioner has spoke of her anger after she was slapped with a high-quality for overstaying a carpark’s five-minute grace interval – by simply 11 seconds.

Brenda Reed, 78, returned to Kent from the USA for the primary time in 60 years as she wished to revisit Margate’s Winter Gardens along with her niece, after seeing The Beatles play the venue in 1963.

But her journey down reminiscence lane was ruined after she realised she had parked within the mistaken automotive park and was later fined for failing to depart the positioning simply seconds too late.

Mrs Reed believes her “crazy” £60 ticket ought to have been torn up – arguing that indicators on the Lido Car Park aren’t clear sufficient and motorists must be given an extended grace interval.

She mentioned: “We were just looking for the Winter Gardens and realised we needed to go further up the coastline, so had literally stopped the car, got out, realised our mistake, and drove further up.

“It was a nostalgic go to for me and was completely ruined by receiving a £60 high-quality for pulling out and in of a parking zone.

“I felt so sad that the wonderful memory we had experienced, and a walk down memory lane for me, was messed up by the craziness of such a large fine for driving in and out of a car park.

“I didn’t see any clear signal within the automotive park that one thing like this might occur. Signage within the automotive park must be a lot greater and clearer, and there must be a ten or 15-minute grace interval earlier than issuing a ticket.”

Mrs Reed, who had flown over to England from Nashville, USA, appealed the fine as she thought it was unfair.

However, she and her niece were concerned the fee would rise to £100 while they waited a decision so paid the £60 upfront – and their appeal was rejected anyway.

The fine was issued by car park enforcement firm Parking Eye, which uses number-plate recognition cameras.

A spokesperson said the rules are displayed on “distinguished and extremely seen indicators”.

But Mrs Reed is not the only motorist who disagrees with this.

Local resident Lucy Mwangi, 52, argued there is little consideration for tourists or those who do not know the area.

She said: “Sometimes you are feeling like they’re doing that to catch you out. I believe they need to provide you with extra leeway as a result of folks hold being caught out.”

Martin Pleece, 74, added that the onus is placed on motorists to seek out the rules – rather than making any restrictions as clear as possible.

He said: “It’s like with many automotive parks, you have to look, have not you?

“Whatever car park you go in, you’ve got to stop if necessary, get out of your car, and read the signs. It’s not right at all.”

A ParkingEye spokesperson mentioned: “The car park at Lido in Margate is monitored by ANPR camera systems and has 14 prominent and highly visible signs that give motorists clear guidance on how to use the car park responsibly.

“Motorists are suggested that tariffs apply 24/7 and that they’ve the choice to pay by the machine on-site or by telephone.

“The motorist parked in the car park without paying and therefore received a parking charge.

“ParkingEye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals course of, which motorists can use to enchantment their parking cost.

“The motorist did not provide any mitigating circumstances for failing to adhere to the terms and conditions of the car park and their appeal was rejected.”