A disabled man who could not physically get to his parked car before the ticket ran out has been fined – and now bailiffs are knocking at his door.
Ian Richards, a former cab driver, admits he made a genuine mistake after parking in a taxi rank in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in November last year.
But the 57-year-old feels he has been mistreated by his local council after a debt collector came to his home at 7am demanding the amount be paid in full.
Mr Richards told Gloucestershire live: ‘I think it’s disgusting. I told the council I was really sorry and that I didn’t realise it had become a taxi rank.
‘I’m getting penalised, because I’ve got a disability. I could understand it if I was fully able – that would be my own silly fault. But I’m not and it’s out of order.’
He explained that he did not know the space he was parked in became a taxi rank after 6pm, and he arrived just a few minutes after this time as it was difficult walking up a windy hill.
Having been diagnosed with diabetes and had a kidney and an attached mass removed in 2018, Mr Richards struggles with both mobility and memory problems due to the medication he takes.
Due to not having paid the fine for a year, the penalty has been raised to £424.
He claims he asked if he could pay the fine in instalments, but due to his memory issues he incorrectly thought a payment plan had been set up.
Mr Richards’ full-time carer, Corinne Cleverly, also believes he has been mistreated by the council.
Ms Cleverly, said: ‘I think it’s outrageous that a disabled person is being penalised for not physically being able to return to their car in time.
‘In my opinion the ticket should have been overturned when it was appealed.’
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire County Council said: ‘A penalty charge notice was issued at 6.44pm because Mr Richards’ vehicle was parked where a taxis only restriction applies after 6pm.
‘We wrote to him on several occasions, including four statutory notices, to let him know that the penalty charge would increase over time if left unpaid, and encourage him to contact us to avoid the charge being referred to bailiffs.
‘Bailiffs are only ever used as a last resort and we would ask that he now contacts them as soon as possible to find a solution.’
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