Motorists have raised concerns over the size of parking bays on the Esplanade in Paignton, Devon, with one driver vowing ‘I will not be returning’ following a fine
Disgruntled holidaymakers, feeling penalised by stringent parking regulations, have vowed not to return to a popular UK tourist destination.
Amid complaints that parking bays can’t accommodate today’s larger cars, one visitor has vowed never to return to Paignton seafront in Devon after receiving a parking fine for not fitting perfectly within the lines.
These drivers argue they’re treated harshly due to an “aggressive” enforcement campaign targeting vehicles straying beyond the white markings on the Esplanade. There’s just no wriggle room, they say, with a brick wall hampering any further space.
Torbay Council maintains it strives for fairness but stands firm on sanctioning those who deviate from the parking guidelines. Rob Phipps shared his unpleasant experience of being hit with a Penalty Charge Notice.
Recounting the event, he said: “My family had just enjoyed an excellent Sunday lunch at Harbour Light when, like many others, we had our day ruined by the council ripping off tourists to the tune of £25-£50 for parking beyond the bay demarcation.
“This was because the wall causes drivers to be cautious and park short to prevent hitting it. The aggressive car parking policy being employed by Torbay Council at the Eastern Esplanade will deter tourists visiting Paignton.
“I’ve since paid the penalty but will not be visiting Paignton in the future.” Social media has become a hotbed for similar grievances, with scores of motorists airing their discontent online, reports Devon Live.
One disgruntled driver shared their frustration, saying: “My front bumper was touching the wall, and left wheel in the markings, but I still got a ticket. As did many others with similar vehicles.”
Another motorist recounted her ordeal: “We had one on our seven-seater. The council said it’s our job to measure our car against the parking space and if it doesn’t fit don’t park.
“We got fined and when we appealed and we said we have measured the parking spaces and they are a) too small for modern longer cars and b) also smaller than allowed. But they still rejected the appeal.”
It’s not just the owners of SUVs and larger cars struggling with parking spaces; Rob’s photographs highlight even regular family hatchbacks breaching the bay boundaries.
Rob explained the strict enforcement he observed: “The penalty is issued if your car does not fall wholly within the white demarcation lines of the bay. Every car that I witnessed on the day that I received a PCN fell outside of the bay, 100 per cent.
“There were many annoyed paid-up motorists who were having an altercation with the car parking inspector protesting their penalty.”
A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: “We remain committed to the fairness of our parking enforcement policy, and will continue to act where parking contravenes regulations.
“We appreciate residents’ concerns about parking enforcement and are always considering methods to improve the services we provide. This area of Paignton will soon benefit from a multimillion-pound regeneration project, which will include considerations for parking capacity.”