A holidaymaker at Bristol Airport has been fined £100 after briefly stopping to read signs upon entering the short stay car park. Shelley Martin, from Monmouthshire, had prepaid for parking in June but noticed a sign instructing passengers to ‘pay on exit’ along with other terms and conditions. Concerned she might have entered the wrong area, she stopped her vehicle for just 18 seconds to verify the information.
After returning from a family trip to Palma, Ms Martin was issued a penalty for breaching the airport’s no-stopping rules. Her initial appeal was unsuccessful, with the authority stating that the location was not suitable to stop and that she had no grounds to do so without incurring the charge.
Following media enquiries by Bristol Live, Bristol Airport has since instructed the enforcement company, Vehicle Control Services, which manages the car park’s regulations, to cancel the fine and arrange a refund.
READ MORE: Hidden Gem: Whovian Chef’s Authentic Asian Restaurant Shines Amid Chain Dominance
READ MORE: How to watch Sale Sharks vs Bath Rugby live in the PREM Rugby Cup with full team news
Ms Martin expressed frustration over the fine, saying, “It just seems absolutely outrageous – it’s not so much the £100, it’s more the principle of it.”
A spokesperson for Bristol Airport explained that the no-stopping rules and associated enforcement are in place to ensure safety and maintain smooth traffic flow on access roads, preventing potential accidents and congestion caused by vehicles stopping in inappropriate areas.
The spokesperson added, “The customer did not inform us of her pre-booked parking upon receiving the fine. After reviewing the situation, we asked the enforcement company to withdraw the penalty charge notice.”
They also reminded customers to consult the airport’s website for parking information to plan their journeys accordingly.
This case highlights the importance of clear signage and communication to avoid misunderstandings in busy transport hubs like airports.