I RECENTLY attended a breast screening appointment at the mobile unit at the Littledown Centre. I arrived with little time to spare for my appointment due to an accident en route. As I was attending a medical appointment I did not have my mobile phone with me.
There were no spaces available in the free three-hour wait section of the car park so I had to park in the “pay by phone” section of the car park. I looked around for a parking machine or other alternative methods of payment but none were available. I therefore had no choice but to park in this section of the car park or miss my appointment.
When I returned to my car some 10 minutes later, I was horrified to find I had been issued with a £50 penalty notice. I challenged Bournemouth Borough Council as there was no way I could have made payment without my phone.
In the first instance I received a standard letter which did not mention how I could have paid. I challenged again and received a letter stating I must pay and stating they could not enter into any further correspondence. This is clearly a case of bureaucracy gone mad.
My choice was to miss a crucial appointment or park where I could. Please be aware if you are in the same position there is no way of making payment without a mobile phone and you risk receiving a penalty notice.
RUTH CARGILL Somerford Way, Christchurch
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