‘Gobsmacked’ is the reaction of a Cowes businesswoman, whose husband got a £70 parking ticket while waiting for the Floating Bridge.
Last week, Mark Searson, of Solent Sails, was in the queue for the River Medina crossing — on the East Cowes side — when he left his car to get a bottle of water from the nearby shop.
When he returned, after only being gone for what he said was a couple of minutes, a parking ticket was waiting for him.
Reacting to the news, Julia, Mark’s wife, said it was common practice to nip out of your vehicle and either go to the shop or look at the crossing.
Accusation denied by IWC
She said the parking warden watched her husband get out of the car and go into the shop before issuing the ticket — something the Isle of Wight Council denies.
She thought the warden would have advised him against it.
Mrs Searson said in the past you had to leave your car to go into the shop to buy tickets to use the Floating Bridge.
Was told ticket was for parking on double yellow lines
The couple phoned the Isle of Wight Council and were told the warden was within their rights because Mr Searson was parked on double yellow lines and the car was empty.
Mrs Searson said she found it hideous what the council had done and argued they were not parked as it was in a queue and not blocking traffic.
Now, the couple is warning Islanders and visitors of what may happen as they do not want others to be caught out.
IWC: Car parked next to a tactile crossing point
An Isle of Wight council spokesperson said the ticket had been issued as the car had been left unattended, parked next to a tactile crossing point, not for the double yellow lines.
They say any vehicle parked adjacent to or on a tactile crossing is liable for an instant penalty as it is a dedicated crossing place which is especially helpful for visually impaired people.
Observation period before ticketing
In this instance and at this location, the council says an observation period would have had to elapse before a PCN could have been issued.
According to the council, the civil enforcement officer would have advised him to alter his position to keep the crossing clear if he had been around the vehicle.
Mrs and Mr Searson plan to appeal the ticket.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © Isle of Wight Council
