By Isle of Wight Observer
When is a 10-minutes parking limit not a 10-minute limit? When it’s in the Hill House car park, in Kendal Road, Totland.
David Morey, of Totland, parked there at the end of last month between 9.38pm and 9.48pm and was shocked to receive a letter issuing him with a £100 penalty notice.
The car park is on the property of Southern Housing and he said: “I have parked there several times over the years for just a few minutes without any problems.
“I popped into my friend’s house to drop off a parcel as there are limited parking options outside the car park in the area.
“I wasn’t even aware there were cameras there and I just think it’s ludicrous that I should have to pay this fine for just a few minutes at that time of night. I’ve appealed but don’t really hold out much hope.”
A Southern Housing spokesman said: “The parking management system at Hill House was introduced in 2016 following a consultation with residents who were finding it difficult to park. The signage at both the entrance and the back of the car park clearly states the car park is for the use of permit holders only. The signage also explains that vehicles need to be registered to use the car park – residents have an account, where they can register their own and their visitor’s vehicles.
“The management system was recently upgraded to include ANPR cameras, which is also referenced within the on-site signage. This operates a 10-minute limit for unregistered vehicles, before a penalty notice is issued. We’d advise anybody who feels they’ve been issued a ticket unfairly to follow the appeal process.”
The IW Observer asked if 9.38pm to 9.48pm counted as 10 or 11 minutes, but Southern Housing declined to elaborate.
Rufus Pickles - Local Democracy Reporter