A pensioner with a bladder problem, who was fined after parking in Harrogate for four minutes to use the toilet, has won his appeal.
Lee Chadwick, 78, was able to get the fine overturned at the second time of asking by sending proof of his medication.
Mr Chadwick, who lives in Markington, parked at the back of the taxi rank on Station Parade to use the public toilet, leaving his wife in the passenger seat.
When he returned his wife was explaining the situation to the traffic warden. Mr Chadwick also talked to the warden but he still issued a fine.
Harrogate Borough Council wrote to Mr Chadwick saying he could either settle in the next 14 days at the discounted rate of £35 or pay £70 if he waited longer.
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He thought the fine was unreasonable so appealed. The council initially rejected the appeal but asked for a doctor’s letter as proof of his bladder problem.
Mr Chadwick was not prepared to bother with such a request. Instead he sent proof of medication, which has now worked.
Mr Chadwick told the Stray Ferret his good news, adding:
Pensioner with bladder issues ‘fined in Harrogate after parking to pee’“Harrogate Borough Council has just advised me that they have cancelled the parking penalty notice.
“It means that my anticipated appearance in the Supreme Court will not come.”
A parking warden fined a pensioner with a bladder problem who says he parked in Harrogate for four minutes to use the toilet.
Lee Chadwick, 78, has medication for an overactive bladder so when he feels the urge to use the toilet he has to act quickly.
Mr Chadwick, who lives in Markington, parked at the back of the taxi rank on Station Parade to use the public toilet, leaving his wife in the passenger seat.
When he returned his wife was explaining the situation to the parking warden. Mr Chadwick also talked to the warden but he still issued a fine.
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The pensioner then contacted Harrogate Borough Council to appeal. However, the council replied today to say it cannot uphold his appeal without more evidence.
A council parking administrator wrote to Mr Chadwick saying he could either settle in the next 14 days at the discounted rate of £35 or pay £70 if he waited longer. Alternatively, Mr Chadwick could ask his doctor to send a letter about his condition.
But he told the Stray Ferret he did not wish to bother his doctor about such a request. He added:
“It was our first trip out to Harrogate in a long time but we will not be going back again after this incident.
“I do think it is unreasonable. I have tried to appeal and I will continue to fight it. If I need to I will take it to the magistrates’ court. I have faith in the magistrates.
“If the council continues to insist on this fine then I think it is quite cruel and unjust.”
A spokeswoman for Harrogate Borough Council said:
“Mr Chadwick is appealing the ticket and we are awaiting further information from him to confirm the circumstances and his medical condition.”