An amputee expressed astonishment after receiving a parking fine shortly following the council’s creation of a disabled bay around his vehicle.
Graham Tufft, aged 66 and residing in Newport, had persistently requested a designated disabled parking spot on his street for over two years. However, moments after the bay was finally painted as per his request by contractors from Newport City Council, a parking warden swiftly issued him a penalty charge notice (PCN) without allowing him any time to display his blue badge.
Mr. Tufft mentioned that the fine, amounting to £70 if paid after 14 days, came as a shock to him despite the option of a reduced £35 if paid promptly within the specified timeframe.
Speaking to WalesOnline, Mr. Tufft expressed his frustration, saying, “I didn’t even have the opportunity to retrieve the badge and place it in my car. My wife went outside and noticed the fine.”
He further explained, “I waited two years and three months for this disabled bay to be painted outside my home. I have a below-knee amputation, a splint on my other leg, heart failure, and diabetes.”
Janice, his wife, noted, “We were uncertain whether we needed to display the badge in the car as it is registered to our address. So, while the space was being painted, I checked online for instructions. It indicated the need to display the badge, so I rushed to place it on the dashboard as soon as the work was completed.”
She added, “I spotted a piece of paper, initially thinking it was information left by the installers. Upon opening it, I realized it was a fixed penalty notice, leaving me in disbelief. It may be a mere coincidence, but it’s quite unbelievable, especially considering the fresh paint on the ground.”
Mr. Tufft speculated that the absence of traffic wardens in the area led to a swift issuance of the fine once the bay was painted. He expressed, “I believe the warden was lurking nearby for the contractors to depart. This place rarely sees a parking warden or a police presence; it’s usually quiet.”
The couple has initiated the appeal process for the penalty charge notice and has raised their concerns with Newport City Council. The council has been requested for a comment.