I’d rather go to prison than pay £170 beach parking fine – my daughter is disabled and I had no other choice

Laura Franklin, a 40-year-old mother from Dover, is contesting a £170 parking fine incurred while taking her disabled daughter and her daughter’s friend, who also has a disability, to the beach. She parked in the Harbour House car park, mistakenly believing it was a public facility, and displayed her Blue Badge in a designated disabled bay. Unaware that payment via the RingGo app was required, she received an initial £100 fine, which increased to £170 after missing the payment deadline during her appeal process. The car park operates as both a public and private facility, with specific hours for public use, and features signage detailing these times. However, Laura contends that the information was not sufficiently visible. She plans to challenge the fine, citing the stress it has caused and her belief that the penalty is unjust.

This incident highlights the complexities surrounding parking regulations, especially in facilities with dual usage and specific time allocations. It underscores the importance for drivers, including Blue Badge holders, to thoroughly check signage and understand payment requirements to avoid potential fines.

In response to such challenges, new private parking rules have been introduced to create a fairer system for drivers. These rules include extended 10-minute grace periods after a ticket expires and clearer signage to help drivers understand parking terms before leaving their vehicle. Additionally, a new appeals charter outlines circumstances where fines may be reduced or waived. However, experts have criticized these measures as insufficient compared to proposed government-backed regulations, emphasizing the need for capped charges and a robust independent appeals system.

For individuals facing similar situations, it’s advisable to:

• Review Signage Carefully: Always check for signs indicating parking restrictions, payment requirements, and time allocations, even in familiar areas.
• Understand Blue Badge Rights and Limitations: While Blue Badges offer certain parking concessions, they do not universally exempt holders from all parking fees or restrictions, especially in private car parks.
• Utilize Official Appeals Processes: If you believe a parking fine is unjust, promptly engage with the appeals process, providing all necessary documentation and evidence to support your case.

Staying informed about current parking regulations and any recent changes can help prevent misunderstandings and potential fines.