After receiving a parking penalty a row broke out between pensioner Alan Campbell and Havant Borough Council. The dispute had been ongoing since April when Mr Campbell who struggles to walk left his vehicle in a disabled bay at Hayling Health Centre. Upon returning he found a penalty issue notice with the reason given as not displaying a blue badge.

Mr Campbell said: I had the badge in my hand and I walked up to the post to see if I had to pay any money. I rarely use this car park. I read it through and found out I did not have to pay. I went back to my car to put my badge on and there was a ticket. I was given one minutes grace.

The pensioner says he was kept awake at night worrying after his appeal was refused. The matter had escalated to a tribunal due to take place in Southampton.

Councillor Perry of Havants Ukip branch stepped in and wrote the cheque stating he considered Mr Campbell to have been wronged. He said: The way I see it Mr Campbell is a disabled man. Hes been given a fine for parking in a disabled bay. That to me is wrong. Its all about common sense. I am not one to read through reams of rules and regulations. We would like to take the stress off Mr Campbell and pay the fine for him.

Thanking Cllr Perry Mr Campbell said: It was very nice of them.

Service manager Natalie Meagher said: A discretionary period is usually given for non-display of a ticket whilst our civil enforcement officers undergo their observations however with disabled bays it is expected that drivers will immediately display their badge and therefore the observation period is shortened.

Councillor Perry is now planning on looking into parking policy.

Original article from The News