Forty pounds is a big penalty for a slight scratch card error

Published: 11 November, 2010

• YET another horrendous “parking solutions” incident in Camden.

Parking restrictions in Well Road are signed from 9am until 8pm (that is, a 12-hour clock).   

An elderly visitor scratched off 2.45 instead of 14.45 (24-hour clock). He received a penalty notice, apparently for a parking offence, which turned out to be for scratching off the wrong time on his visitor’s parking permit – an understandable technical mistake, since 2.45 would be in the middle of the night!     

I protested on his behalf and was told that restrictions in Charlotte Street run through the night! So?

My visitor wanted to fight his case but was warned the fine would increase from £40 to £80 and maybe £120 before any appeal was heard. 

He paid because, as a pensioner, he could not afford to take the risk.

I was incensed by this injustice (some might call it blackmail) but was told I could not dispute the charge as by paying the fine he had pleaded “guilty”.   

Is this Orwellian Camden or am I going mad?

Is it any wonder no one wants to visit Hampstead if the slightest mistake is followed by this draconian idiocy.

SARAH DUNCAN                                  
Well Road, NW3