The Assistant Mayor of Liverpool has had a £75 fine rescinded after being ticketed because her motor-home took up two spaces in a Southwell carpark.
She was hit with a penalty notice even though she put two parking tickets on the vehicle in the Church Street carpark because she knew the 7m-long motor-home would take up extra space.
Mrs Roz Gladden, the deputy leader of the Labour group on Liverpool City Council, was holidaying in Nottinghamshire with her husband and visited Southwell after it was recommended to her.
She said although she would visit the area again, the ticketing policy was off-putting for tourists and would like to see it reconsidered to take account of motor-homes.
Mrs Gladden told the Advertiser: “We are motor-homers — it’s great to get away from the world of politics and we had a wonderful time.
“We visited the New Wine Christian festival at Newark Showground and called in at Southwell on the way back.
“We visited the minster and had a wonderful time. Southwell is beautiful and we went round the shops and had a lovely meal.
“It was a positive experience, apart from the parking.
“It is not really the fine I am bothered about, but the fact that it is a deterrent to tourists visiting the area.”
Mrs Gladden said the couple had tried their best to be considerate and not break any rules.
“Because of the size of the motor-home it takes more than one space,” she said.
“There was nothing to say we couldn’t park there and we got two tickets. There was plenty of space and it was a better option than blocking the road.”
Mrs Gladden appealed against the initial £50 fine, but while waiting to hear the outcome received another letter saying it had gone up to £75 because of non-payment.
She said despite the saga she would not rule out visiting again.
“I am from Derbyshire and I love the Midlands so I am not going to say I won’t come back,” she said.
“But we have visited France, Spain and Germany and have never had any problem. They really welcome motor-homers and the money they spend in the area.
“I just hope the policy is reconsidered.”
A Nottinghamshire County Council spokesman said the ticket was issued because the vehicle was parked over the white lines.
However, he said it had been rescinded after consideration of the circumstances outlined in the appeal.
Please note: If this is your first comment on the new system, you are required to verify your email address before your comment will appear.
