A holidaymaker who has sworn off ever returning to a West Country holiday destination after a parking mishap resulted in a fine while visiting the seafront. The frustration stems from claims by irate drivers that parking spaces on part of the Esplanade in Paignton are too snug for today’s larger cars.
Angry motorists feel unjustly targeted by what they describe as an “aggressive” enforcement campaign penalising those vehicles not fitting snugly within the white lines. A common obstacle, they argue, is the inability to edge forward due to a brick wall blocking the way.
Despite grievances aired, Torbay Council maintains its stance on ensuring fairness but insists on holding rule-breakers accountable.
One such motorist, Rob Phipps, recounts witnessing a group of disgruntled car owners in a dispute with parking wardens upon receiving fines. On the incident-filled day he was fined, Rob observed that every car in sight extended beyond its designated space.
He recalls: “My family had just enjoyed an excellent Sunday lunch at Harbour Light when, like many others, we had our day ruined by the council ripping off tourists to the tune of £25-£50 for parking beyond the bay demarcation.”, reports Devon Live.
Rob further laments, “This was because the wall causes drivers to be cautious and park short to prevent hitting it. The aggressive car parking policy being employed by Torbay Council at the Eastern Esplanade will deter tourists visiting Paignton.”
After settling the penalty issued in February, Rob affirms his decision to steer clear of future visits to Paignton. Dozens of other displeased motorists have since broadcasted their grievances across social media platforms.
One motorist expressed their frustration, saying: “My front bumper was touching the wall, and left wheel in the markings, but I still got a ticket. As did many others with similar vehicles.”
Another displeased driver recounted: “We had one on our seven-seater. The council said it’s our job to measure our car against the parking space and if it doesn’t fit don’t park.”
This individual continued: “We got fined and when we appealed and we said we have measured the parking spaces and they are a) too small for modern longer cars and b) also smaller than allowed. But they still rejected the appeal.”
The issue isn’t confined to SUVs and larger automobiles; Rob’s photographs display regular family-sized hatchbacks also falling victim to the stringent regulations.
Rob elucidated further: “The penalty is issued if your car does not fall wholly within the white demarcation lines of the bay. Every car that I witnessed on the day that I received a PCN fell outside of the bay, 100 per cent.”
He also relayed that numerous motorists who had paid for parking were visibly irritated, finding themselves disputing with the parking inspector over their fines.
On the matter, a representative for Torbay Council commented: “We remain committed to the fairness of our parking enforcement policy, and will continue to act where parking contravenes regulations.”
The spokesperson added: “We appreciate residents’ concerns about parking enforcement and are always considering methods to improve the services we provide. This area of Paignton will soon benefit from a multimillion-pound regeneration project, which will include considerations for parking capacity.”