I’m fuming after I was ‘wrongly’ fined over my parking – then it was DOUBLED when I complained

AN ELDERLY couple are fuming after they were fined over parking before it was DOUBLED when they complained.

Lynda and Francis Moore received a £60 fine after parking in a disabled bay near TK Maxx at Northgate Retail Park, Newark, in June.

SWNS

Francis Moore received a £60 fine in June after parking in a disabled bay[/caption]

SWNS

Wife Lynda said she called UKCPS to provide evidence they were blue badge holders[/caption]

Lynda, 78, said she called car park operator UKCPS to provide evidence they were blue badge holders, which should have resulted in the fine being rescinded.

But the pensioners were left stunned when UKCPS doubled the fine to £120, having failed to acknowledge or settle the dispute with Lynda.

She again sent proof of the blue badge at her own expense but UKCPS failed to acknowledge it.

Shortly afterwards the couple, of Car Colston, Nottinghamshire, received a letter informing them that the fine had been increased to £170.

They were then sent another letter from debt collectors, who told Lynda there was nothing they could do, but offered an £18-a-month payment scheme which she has now reluctantly begun paying.

Lynda said she wanted to warn other motorists about the firm’s ‘ruthless’ tactics and described the ordeal as like having a gun held at their heads.

The pair first contested the fine after they forgot to display 78-year-old Francis’ blue badge as they were rushing in the pouring rain.

Lynda said: “I spoke to a lady there who told me the fine would not go up while in dispute.

“I sent a picture of the disabled sticker by recorded delivery but never heard back.”

The next correspondence was from UKCPS informing them their fine had been doubled.

Lynda added: “I was absolutely fuming when I got that. No one had acknowledged my recorded delivery letters.

“I tried to pay over the phone but they said it was £170 and wouldn’t take the £60.

“We couldn’t afford the fine, but they said it could be done over nine months.

“UKCPS are ruthless – it’s like they are holding a gun at your head really.

“It’s a lot of money and as a pensioner you worry about it. They said it wouldn’t go up but it has.

“I just feel it’s got out of hand and I want people to be aware.”

UKCPS were approached for comment.