LOCALS claim they are “being punished” for having big cars after they were hit by fines – because they don’t fit in parking spots.
Parking regulations are enforced for safety reasons but if motorists don’t use them properly, hefty charges may mount up.
Furious visitors of the seafront at Paignton in Torbay claim they have been hit with fines because their cars don’t fit within the white parking lines.
They say the markings are too small for modern and newer cars and Torbay Council is to blame.
One local took to Facebook to raise their concerns about Torbay Council’s parking system.
They uploaded photos of their car which showed their right back wheel to be overhanging the white line by about half a tyre.
The local captioned their photo: “Hello, just a message to warn others about parking on the seafront and around town.
“You have to have the whole vehicle and wheels inside the markings, which I learned today.
“My front bumper was touching the wall, and left wheel in the markings, but I still got a ticket.
“As did many others with similar vehicles.
“Don’t want anyone else to get an unexpected cost in half term, or while on holiday.”
While it is true, the entire vehicle must fit within the space, other locals expressed their frustration at the regulation.
One local said: “Something needs doing about this, it is happening too much.
“If the markings are not fit for purpose and normal cars cannot park within the lines then the council needs to remark the bays.
“It is not fair when you have paid to park as good as is possible and still get fined.
“What good does this do to our holiday visitors to encourage them to come back or recommend Torbay to others.
“Get a grip Torbay and stop money grabbing everywhere for a quick buck…“
Followed by a second person: “This keeps happening over and over again.
“I think people should complain to the council and get them to increase the length of the bays.
“Many cars are longer now and so many people are getting fined for parking along the seafront.
“It’s a racket and shameful that people cannot enjoy visiting or going for a stroll without getting parking fines.
“If someone cannot park then that’s on them, but when the space physically isn’t long enough for many cars- that’s discriminative.”
THE COUNCIL RESPONDS
A Torbay Council spokesperson told Devon Live that vehicles should fit in the spaces to allow of efficient parking.
But, if a person believes they have been unfairly charged, they may appeal.
They said: “We appreciate the concerns raised regarding parking enforcement in Torbay.
“Our Community Enforcement Officers are dedicated to ensuring the fairness of parking regulations for residents and visitors.
“Signage states that vehicles should be parked wholly within the designated markings to allow for efficient use of parking capacity.
“If a person feels a Parking Charge Notice has been given in error or unfairly, they can follow our appeals process.”
WILL I BE FINED FOR PARKING OUTSIDE OF SPACE LINES?
It’s important to note, drivers will be fined if their vehicle doesn’t fit within designated parking lines.
This is because parking incorrectly can stop other drivers from parking and be dangerous for others on the road, as well as as pedestrians.
In public or private car parks, ticket fines can range from £25 to £100.
Charges can sometimes be reduced if drivers pay within a certain time period, but they can also increase if drivers refuse to pay.
HOW TO APPEAL
According to Citizens Advice, drivers can appeal a ticket if they think they were parked correctly.
It is free to make an informal appeal and can be made just by contacting whoever issued the parking ticket.
Parking charge notices are issued by private parking operators such as National Car Parks, Euro Car Parks, Apcoa Parking and Parkingeye.
Penalty charge notices and excess charge notices are issued by the council. Fixed penalty notices come from the police.
A ticket may be cancelled if it turns out a driver was parked correctly, if a ticket was issued 14 days after the incorrect parking, the road markings were unclear, or if the car had broken down.
