‘It’s disgraceful’: Maidenhead blue-badge holder slams incorrect parking ticket from RBWM

David Marks, a 77-year-old Blue Badge holder from Maidenhead, received an incorrect parking ticket from the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) in early December 2024. He was fined for allegedly parking on a clearway in Nicholsons Lane, off Frascati Way, despite being “clearly outside” the restricted zone. After challenging the ticket, RBWM acknowledged the mistake and issued an apology on December 23, 2024. However, Mr. Marks expressed concerns over the council’s enforcement process, suggesting a lack of proper checks and training. He emphasized that without his proactive challenge, the erroneous fine might have stood, potentially affecting others who might not contest such penalties. RBWM responded by stating that while their civil enforcement officers are trained on regulations, human errors can occur. They assured that the incident had been escalated to management, and those involved were addressed to prevent future occurrences.

This incident highlights the importance of motorists being aware of their rights and the procedures to challenge parking fines they believe are unjust. It also underscores the need for local authorities to ensure their enforcement teams are adequately trained to prevent similar errors.