Council quashes OAP's parking ticket

Elizabeth Monnington from Lewes refused to pay a penalty given to her in Southover Road in January because her parking ticket slipped off the windscreen onto her seat.

The council gave the retired secretary seven days to pay 90.

She said: 'I went to the doctor at 11am and returned at 11.25am.

'The rain was pouring, I think it was a gale force ten, and I wasn't feeling well.

'On the way I passed a traffic warden and sympathised with her, telling her it must be a rotten day to be doing her job.

'I was so surprised to then see a parking fine because I had bought a ticket.

'When I opened the car door I realised that steam from the car heater had made the ticket fall onto the driving seat.

'I drove to the parking office straight away and they reassured me that I wouldn't be fined.

'However I then had two letters demanding first 30 and then 60.

'I wrote to the authorities to explain the circumstances but was still sent the standard letter demanding money.

'On April 21 they wrote to say I must pay 90 or I may face bailiffs.

'It has caused me a lot of stress, I think they should show common sense and not be inflexible.'

The mother-of-six added:

'This is the first time I have had a parking ticket, or been accused of an offence.

'I am a law-abiding citizen who has driven with a clean record for 57 years.'

An East Sussex County Council spokesman told the Express: 'A parking attendant issued a parking charge notice correctly as no ticket was displayed on the car.

'Having confirmed that the driver bought her ticket on that day we will cancel the penalty charge.'

Mrs Monnington said: 'I want to thank the Sussex Express for raising the matter with the council.'