STATION PARKING FINES: Motorists fury over ‘unfair system’
MP to quiz firm over charges issued for dropping-off in wrong place
THE MP for Hayes & Harlington John McDonnell has backed constituents over their anger at traffic fines beings issued outside the train station.
A road in front of Hayes & Harlington Rail Station is closed while work is carried out as part of the Crossrail project, but those struck with fines for using the road have called the ‘system’ unfair.
One Hayes resident, James Goodchild, is to attend court after refusing to pay a fine he was issued.
Mr Goodchild said: “I refused to pay the bill because it’s unfair. There’s not enough warning.
“It’s been a nice little earner for them. It’s about making some money.
“I’d like to see it done in the proper manner. I’d like to see enough notice so people know not to go down there.”
Mr Goodchild received his fine for £60 last October from privatecompany Parking Control Management (PCM), which then increased to £100 after 28 days.
He was then contacted by PCM’s solicitors in April to say court action would follow after he did not provide a valid reason for not paying the fine.
The 47-year-old added: “You can’t see the sign unless you get out of your car.
“I’d like to see a proper drop-off zone provided.”
Mr McDonnell was contacted by a member of the public who raised the issue after receiving a fine.
The member of the public from Wokingham, who preferred not to be named, said: “I’m willing to take it to court if I have to.
“The whole of Hayes & Harlington Station is really badly sign posted.
“I don’t think it’s legal. I believe it’s a honey pot”
They received a fine after searching for the station online and finding no mention of the closed road.
He added that as work has been going on for a year, there was sufficient time to ensure better signs were put in place and for websites to be updated.
Mr McDonnell, who is also the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, responded to say he thought the system was ‘a disgrace’ and that he would be taking this issue up with PCM and with Hillingdon Council.
Mr Goodchild said he is currently waiting to receive his court date.
PCM have not responded to a request for comment.