Fined – because disabled mum took ‘too long’ to shop
A WOMAN was issued with a parking fine after spending nearly two hours in a supermarket with her disabled mother.
Tracie Williams-Rowe, 47, parked at Aldi on Ferry Road in Cardiff with her mother Sylvia Williams, 77, to do some shopping after a hospital appointment.
But Tracie received a £70 fine for parking there for almost two hours.
Tracie, from Rumney, Cardiff, said they were at Aldi on September 30 for that amount of time because it takes Sylvia a long time to get around the shop.
She is severely disabled and also has bowel cancer, tongue cancer and heart problems.
Tracie, who is a carer for her mother, said Sylvia doesn’t like to use a wheelchair as she wants to remain independent.
She said the letter, which she received a week after their trip to Aldi, said she had parked there for one hour and 58 minutes when the limit is one hour and 30 minutes.
Aldi said blue badge holders can extend the time they park there but must inform the store beforehand if they need more time.
Tracie said: “We had a check-up at the hospital and we went to Aldi afterwards because my mum loves it. It’s her favourite place to go and we always go to that one.
“She was walking slower than normal as we just had a check-up and it was busier than normal.
“We parked in a disabled bay with a blue badge.
“This week I had a letter and I was disgusted. Disabled people should be given more time because they are obviously going to need help or move slower. It’s scandalous.”
Tracie, a mother of three, said Sylvia has had part of her tongue removed due to cancer and also has a colostomy bag.
She added: “Obviously the letter is quite scary so many people will just pay. If they are vulnerable or elderly they probably won’t want the hassle and will pay before the fine goes up.
“I can’t believe there are restrictions and people should be made aware of these parking companies and what they are doing to people.”
Parking Eye, which issued the fine, said Tracie had not appealed the decision but said the fine had now been waived as a “gesture of goodwill”.
A spokesman said: “The motorist had not appealed this PCN (Penalty Charge Notice); however, at the request of Aldi it has been cancelled as a gesture of goodwill. We consider this case to be closed.”
Aldi said non-badge holders are able to park at the store for an hour and a half. However, blue badge holders must inform the store beforehand to increase their parking allowance.
A spokeswoman for Aldi said: “Aldi provides all Blue Badge holders with a permit allowing extended parking at their chosen store if they let us know in advance. We can confirm that Ms Williams’ charge has been cancelled. “