Student hit with £100 fine after parking at petrol station for 90 seconds | UK | News
Student hit with £100 fine after parking at petrol station for 90 seconds | UK | News
A student was slapped with a £100 fine in the post after parking at a petrol station for little over a minute. Zakria Sajjad, 22, says he pulled in to check if the Trafford garage had a cash machine.
But it was days later when a fine was delivered in the post that he was shocked by what had happened. The accounting student parked at Sandgate Service Station in Urmston just after 9pm on January 15.
His Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) shows he entered the car park at 21:02:39 and left again at 21:04:21, and states parking is for ‘patrons whilst on the premises only’.
Sandgate Service Station told the Manchester Evening News Mr Sajjad was issued the fine because he left the premises to visit the neighbouring Tesco during the two minute incident. They said they had been forced to bring in strict rules after struggling to keep spaces for customers and deliveries, but that the rules are clearly signposted.
« I’m a student – I don’t know how I’ll afford this fine, » Mr Sajjad told the MEN. « All over parking for just under two minutes. »He said he had intended to buy petrol at the station, but was unable to after he could not locate a cash machine.
After being fined on January 17, the 22-year-old found similar experiences shared online by others. One review from three months back said they were fined £60 for parking and shopping, but not buying fuel.
Meanwhile, Helen Wrigley penned another review six months ago, saying: « I parked at the side of forecourt for one min 24 sec and I got fined £60 and when we are all struggling in crisis too. I have used this garage for years! Can’t believe it. »
The station told MEN that they had to get a private parking firm in place since June due to difficulties getting deliveries and enough parking spots for customers.
They argued that Mr Sajjad had used their parking space, but had instead gone shopping at the nearby Tesco.
Mr Sajjad said he’d tried to appeal the penalty, but was refused because he left the site. His rejection letter said: « The car park is free for patrons whilst on the premises only.
« This is in place so that there is sufficient spaces available for customers. Any vehicle found parked onsite who’s driver has gone elsewhere is liable for a parking charge notice (PCN). »
A spokesperson for Euro Parking Services said: « The parking space that is mentioned is not a dedicated public parking space. The parking bay is specifically for the use of Sandgate customers who are either filling their tyres with air or making a purchase inside the business. »
« Neither of the above applied to the motorist in question. Vehicles are not to be left unattended on site by non-customers, as this area is required specifically for a reason.
« Historically, vehicles were being left in this area while users visited Tescos, who by the way have their own parking facility. 24/7 access is required via this area for fuel tanker deliveries. Missed tanker deliveries come at a cost of £750 to the retailer, which used to be a common occurrence before EPS provided the current solution.
« There is more than sufficient signage displayed throughout the area detailing the terms and conditions of parking on site. »
And the service station added: « We’ve encountered significant problems with vehicles blocking the entrance to our petrol station, causing major disruptions. Staff members have faced verbal abuse and threats when requesting vehicles to move, resulting in customers being unable to access urgently needed fuel. »
« Additionally, access to the air machine for customers with flat tyres has been blocked, and tanker drivers have been unable to refill our fuel tanks, resulting in fuel shortages and fines for non-access. »
« In response to these challenges, we’ve reached out to Europarking for assistance. »
Cet article est apparu en premier en ANGLAIS sur https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1864955/driver-parking-fine-petrol-station
