CHINGFORD: ‘Senseless’ fine for pair who paid correct fee

4:28pm Wednesday 10th September 2008

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A CONFUSING council rule has led to a couple being fined £30 for putting parking vouchers worth the correct amount on their car.

Mitchell Evans and his girlfriend Georgina Stichbury wanted to park in a bay for 90 minutes in Buxton Road, Chingford, to do some shopping, and used three 50p vouchers to make up the required £1.50 fee.

But when the pair returned to their red Mini, they were shocked to find a traffic warden had slapped a £30 parking ticket on their windscreen because they had not used a £1 hour voucher, and a 50p half-hour voucher.

Ms Stichbury, 26, of Redwood Gardens, Chingford, said: “I was absolutely amazed. I can’t see the logic in giving me a fine when I have paid the correct amount. I can see why people get fined if they have parked illegally. I’m going to appeal because it is the principle.

“I was told by the traffic warden that she would cancel the last of my tickets, meaning I would have parked for too long. But that just didn’t make any sense.

“I suspect the council has brought in new 30p vouchers but has forgotten to replace the rules written on the back of the vouchers.”

Mr Evans, 29, added: “I am furious with the council. The borough may not think £30 is a lot of money and is just expecting me to pay it, but I plan to appeal.”

In June, driver Gill Hodges was fined £60 for using four 50p vouchers on her green Vauxhall Omega instead of two £1 vouchers when she parked near Chingford Mount Road.

A council spokesman said the borough was trying to clamp down on motorists overstaying for more than two hours in designated bays, which is why there was a two voucher limit.

He added the council had no plans to change the voucher system.