Better communication needed over parking

Editorial Department Brian Donaldson - 1503 • Published 10 Sep 2009 09:00 Comments 1 Comment

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We highlight the plight of an American tourist this week who was naturally angry when returning to her car parked at East Bridge Street, Enniskillen, found a parking ticket on her windscreen. Her anger was such because she had displayed a disabled badge, albeit an American disabled badge.

The motorist was so incensed that she called Enniskillen a "Mickey Mouse town" for its insensitive nature to visitors whom, she said, brought a lot of money with them. She indicated how she had just spent £300 in a local store and then found a £60 parking ticket on her car.

What angered the motorist even more was that no-one could help her as she explained her situation. Even an NCP warden didn't seem too helpful when approached and sent her to the Police Station which was outside their remit. Even worse they apparently sent her to the Courthouse which was less helpful.

However the Roads Service have indicated that the fine will be cancelled if the woman gets in touch.

We have had examples in the past of traffic attendants eager to slap tickets onto cars without consideration for the owners in exceptional circumstances. The American tourist was right when she said incidents such as this could have a detrimental effect on those travelling here, especially when her disabled badge was recognised by the authorities elsewhere in Northern Ireland, the Republic and Europe.

Surely this is all about communication. Are the traffic attendants briefed properly on what to expect or are they told to put a ticket on every car deemed to be breaking the law with no leeway for exceptional circumstances? Its okay for the Roads Service to say many visitors email them in advance about parking requirements but what about those who visit here at the spur of the moment? It's also very unhelpful when the people responsible for implementing the system send the public on a wild goose chase in a town unfamiliar to them.

Let's have some clarity on the situation so that everyone knows how the parking system works.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 10 Sep 09

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Sep 11, 10:12
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Randall
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Oct 8, 16:46
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I have an American disabled friend who visits the uk twice a year and have had so much trouble trying to get help and permition to use his disabled badge in the uk nobody wants to know- can anybody help me he is disabled what ever country he visits-we just want an autherised letter to show the parking meeter man when he takes plesure in putting a ticket on my car.

thank you

P Randall

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