Hereford Resident’s Parking Fine Overturned by Council

Sally Mayne, a resident of Portfield Street in Hereford, successfully challenged Herefordshire Council regarding a £50 parking control notice (PCN) she received for parking on her street. This occurred despite her possessing a valid parking permit, having consistently paid for permits, and holding four years of consecutive permits. Ms. Mayne stated, “It’s hard enough already without the council preying on law-abiding citizens who are already struggling financially.” The council acknowledged a delay in the delivery of Ms. Mayne’s new permit and confirmed the cancellation of the fine. Ms. Mayne explained the permit system, stating, “We have to pay £30 a year for a resident’s parking permit, then the same again for a visitor’s permit.” She added, “They don’t issue you a new one until the old one runs out.” Her updated permit was scheduled to become active on 22 October. However, by the subsequent day, it had not yet reached her. Consequently, because no current permit was visible in her vehicle, she was issued a £50 fine. She noted the urgency of payment, stating, “You have to pay [the fine] within 14 days otherwise it more than doubles.” Ms. Mayne also mentioned, “I hear this sort of thing from friends all the time, and they too are challenging their tickets.” Following Ms. Mayne’s appeal of the PCN, the council acknowledged her payment for the parking permit. Nevertheless, it asserted that she had violated its conditions by failing to display it. The authority confirmed that it had informed Ms. Mayne that her parking ticket had been rescinded. The council communicated that she had renewed her permit six days prior to its expiration. It stated that while “it was posted within our two-week period, there was a delay in you receiving this in time,” the fine was being cancelled “on this sole occasion.”