Disabled man’s ‘lack of empathy’ over parking fine

A DISABLED man feels he has received “a lack of empathy” from Wokingham Borough Council.

The resident, who asked not be named, has primary progressive multiple sclerosis and was issued a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for parking outside the lines of a bay.

Upon his arrival to the Cockpit Path car park in Sturges Road, all disabled bays were full so he parked across two standard bays.

He said he needed the additional width, usually provided by a disabled bay, to be able to open the doors to his adapted vehicle and then gain access to his wheelchair.

When he returned to his vehicle he noticed a PCN on his car.

He said: “I got a ticket for parking in two spaces which is understandable from the perspective of the parking warden who just has a job to do.

“However when I contacted Wokingham Borough Council to appeal the fine, I was sent a snotty letter basically saying ‘tough mate’.

“A total lack of empathy for my situation from the council.”

The man says, given the circumstances, his PCN should have been cancelled.

He said: “It’s not the be all and end all but it’s the principle, and a real life example of the issues disabled people have everyday.

“This shows there needs to be more accessible and disabled parking in and around the town.”

The council provides 43 disabled parking bays across Wokingham town centre, with an additional 16 spaces available at Shute End on evenings and weekends.

Steve Moore, director of place and growth at the council, said: “We understand the difficulties that blue badge holders have when it comes to parking.

“To try and make life easier for blue badge holders, the council provides disabled parking bays across Wokingham town centre, free of charge. We also waive parking charges for blue badge holders when using non-disabled bays.”

The council insists that all cars must park entirely within the lines of the bay.

“The reason for this is to ensure visitors have access to the full number of car parking spaces in each car park, to help our town centres remain vibrant with as many visitors as possible

“Our policy requires us to apply the rules consistently to everyone,” said Mr Moore.

The policy is available on the council’s website. To view it, visit: wokingham.gov.uk