A GRAN has branded a £100 parking fine as “ridiculous” because the sign was covered with scaffolding.
Sandra Smith parked outside the Old Cobblers in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, on September 21 for 90 minutes having taken her grandson to the Wacky Warehouse in the pub.
She then received in the post a £60 parking fine from Euro Car Parks.
Confused by the charge she took to social media to ask if anyone else had been stung by the restrictions.
Although it later emerged there was a parking meter, Sandra says this was obscured by scaffolding.
She also stressed she had no intention of swerving the charge and spent £16 in the pub while she was there.
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Sandra told Lancs Live: “I had visited the pub a lot before Covid, so I think that’s why I didn’t think there was any parking restrictions and I could just go there.
“I’ve been back since and for what I could see, there wasn’t any signs telling you of the rules that were noticeable.
“There’s scaffolding outside too, which covers the parking meter, so it isn’t at all obvious it’s there.
“I went back through to the Wacky Warehouse and there was an A-Frame in the lobby telling you about registering for free parking, but I’m convinced it was not there when I visited.
“I was in the Wacky Warehouse for around 90 minutes in total, whilst my grandson played and we ate and drank and no one told me about it.”
Having received the fine on October 7 she was given 10 days to appeal, which she did within the timeframe allowed.
She is still waiting on a response from Euro Car Parks and was informed the fine could escalate to £100 if she was unsuccessful.
Have you had a similar experience over a parking fine? Contact our tips line on 07423 720250 or email: jon.rogers@the-sun.co.uk
Sandra said: “I wanted to put it on Facebook to see if anyone else had the same experience. I got lots of responses, with people saying the same thing happened to them.
“I was told that the restrictions had been in place since January, but someone else was told it had been three months, so I don’t know what’s gone on there.
“I’m just being honest about my experience as I just think it’s strange to have the restrictions there, as everywhere else in Rawtenstall is free to park.
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“It’s also an out-of-town pub, so I think it’s strange they’d charge. I paid for food and coffee whilst we were there by card and spent around £16, so I have that proof to show them if anyone asks.”
The Sun Online has approached Euro Car Parks for comment.
