Francesca Roberts decided to park over the line to allow grandmother-of-six Maureen to get her walker out and move around safely but the decision almost proved very costly
Francesca Roberts was left in a predicament when she took her mother-in-law, Maureen, on a shopping trip and found all the disabled parking bays occupied. Given that Maureen, a grandmother of six, relies on a walker for mobility, the standard parking spaces were too narrow to accommodate her needs.
Francesca opted to park over a white line next to an unused patch of land adjacent to a regular parking space. However, this decision nearly resulted in a hefty £100 fine for violating parking regulations.
Despite their initial appeal being dismissed, as reported by Teesside Live, the family received some welcome news after being contacted by the newspaper that the penalty notice would be rescinded.
The family shared their story after their unsuccessful attempt to have the fine overturned. They explained how Francesca had taken Maureen, 89, who is registered disabled and unable to walk or stand without assistance, to use vouchers at Marks and Spencer at Teesside Park in March.
Upon arrival at the Stockton-on-Tees retail park, they discovered all the disabled parking spaces were taken. but with needing additional room, they decided to park at the end of a row.
This spot offered extra space on one side, which did not encroach upon another bay. They parked over the white lines to ensure the retired nurse could exit the vehicle with ease.
It was only weeks later that they received a £100 penalty notice in the mail. The Roberts family were hopeful that “common sense” would come into play when they explained the situation.
However, their optimism was dashed when Minster Baywatch, the car park firm, dismissed the appeal. Dave Roberts, 60, Maureen’s son, expressed his frustration saying: “I thought once we appeal and explain the situation and that it wasn’t possible to park anywhere else, that would be the end of it.
“Anywhere else is too far for her to walk or the space they needed could have been taken up by another car. But they rejected the appeal. It’s just heartless. For some reason they just don’t seem to be able to use any level of common sense when these appeals come through.
“I understand the car park needs a level of management but this just completely lacks compassion. There are not enough disabled spaces there and when they find an alternative that doesn’t impact anyone else this is what happens.”
Before the fine was ultimately overturned, Maureen stated: “It’s just disgusting. I can’t get out of the car and make it to the front or the boot without the walker. My daughter-in-law did go over the line but nothing could park there.”
The gran-of-six added: “It has really truly upset me. I’m thinking about it all of the time. It’s getting to the point where I don’t really want to ask anyone to take me.
“It’s not just about me but other people with disabilities that this will affect. They should give that little bit of leeway. I’m very disappointed in them.”
The initial penalty was set at £100, but it would be reduced to £60 if paid within two weeks. The Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) review stated that the vehicle was parked outside of a designated bay, violating site rules.
It has now been confirmed that the PCN was cancelled due to the “specific circumstances and minimal impact to other shoppers”. Following this decision, Dave commented: “We’ve not heard anything from either but if the ticket is cancelled, I’m so pleased for Mum that common sense has finally been allowed to happen as she’s been so upset by it.
“It’s just disgusting that these parking companies are allowed to be judge and jury when their modus operandi is to generate revenue by issuing tickets. Anyone with an ounce of sense would have seen in the appeal letter that this was a genuine case of an almost 90-year-old who is significantly disabled and in need of assistance, yet Minster Baywatch were heartless by viewing this as an opportunity to make money.
“If this is how less-abled shoppers are being treated, I’d call on Teesside Park to review their relationship with this parking company immediately.” Teesside Park has 66 disabled parking spaces in its main retail car park.
If all these spaces are occupied by Blue Badge holders, it’s recommended that shoppers with a Blue Badge inform the customer services team (located in the Hello building) about their parking situation. This would enable arrangements to be made to prevent any fines.
Teesside Live has reached out to Teesside Park and Minster Baywatch for their responses.
