Grandad vows to fight council in court over £160 parking fine for 10 minute trip
A pensioner is facing court action after refusing to pay what he claims to be a "grossly unfair" parking fine.
Colin Christie drove into a car park on Canal Street in Chester on December 30 last year but left after less than 12 minutes due to visibility issues with the pay and display meter screen, leaving him unable to buy a ticket. He also tried to pay online but was unable to and so drove away despite making a "genuine effort to pay"
The 67-year-old later received a fine but immediately appealed to the car park operator I Park Services Ltd. The charge was reduced to £20, however he then took his case to the Independent Appeals Service believing that he should not have to pay any amount of penalty.
Canal Street car park where Colin was fined after spending around 12 minutes trying to pay (Google Streetview WS)Colin, from Bunbury village, told CheshireLive: "When you went in the meter was horrible. You couldn't read it. I stopped for less than 12 minutes and spent that time queuing behind others with the same problem trying to read the meter because of the sun reflection and shoddy meter backlight.
"You had to input your registration. I tried all that with no joy and gave up. I'm 67 and my eyesight isn't great.
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"I chatted with some other guys who said you could pay online. I tried and failed to download the app before giving up in frustration."
Earlier this year, the adjudicator ruled in favour of the car park operator and the fine was hiked up to £100. Then on July 26 he received a 'final' debt recovery reminder letter informing him to pay £160 or face being taken to court if it was left unsettled.
Colin now fears that debt collectors could turn up at his home. He said: "It starts affecting your credit rating and I'm starting to worry whether debt collectors will be banging at the door.
"I'm so fed up - it feels like bully boy stuff. I'd like to see common sense prevail. The whole situation is highly stressful but on principle I am prepared to wait and see if they take me to court."
The Independent Appeals Service outcome stated: "While noting their comments, it is clear from the evidence provided to this appeal that the Appellant did indeed enter and use the site otherwise than in accordance with the displayed terms by failing to ensure that their vehicle was properly registered with a valid payment, having been allowed an adequate consideration period prior to the charge being issued.
"I am satisfied that the Operator has proven their prima facie case. Whilst having some sympathy with the Appellant's circumstances, once liability has been established, only the Operator has the discretion to vary or cancel the parking charge based on mitigating circumstances. Accordingly this appeal is dismissed."
I Park Services Ltd was contacted for comment.
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