Bristol Airport cancels £100 fine after motorist stopped briefly to read signs

A holidaymaker who was fined £100 for stopping briefly to read signage upon entering Bristol Airport’s short stay car park has had the penalty cancelled.

Shelley Martin from Monmouthshire had pre-paid for parking in June but noticed a sign advising passengers to ‘pay on exit’ alongside references to terms and conditions. Slightly confused and wanting to ensure she was in the correct car park, Ms Martin stopped her vehicle for approximately 18 seconds to carefully read the instructions.

After returning from a family holiday to Palma, she was issued a £100 fine for allegedly breaking the airport’s no-stopping rules. Although her initial appeal was rejected on the basis that the stopping was unauthorised, Bristol Airport has now intervened following media enquiries and arranged for the fine to be refunded.

Ms Martin commented, “It just seems absolutely outrageous – it’s not so much the £100, it’s more the principle of it.”

The airport explained that Vehicle Control Services, the third-party company responsible for enforcing car park regulations, had initially declined the appeal. A spokesperson stated: “The enforcement company monitors and prohibits stopping on red lines to maintain safety and ensure access roads remain clear, preventing congestion and accidents caused by stationary vehicles.”

The spokesperson added that Ms Martin had not contacted the airport to explain she had pre-booked parking before the fine was issued. After reviewing the details, the airport requested the enforcement company to cancel the penalty charge notice.

They also advised customers uncertain about parking arrangements to consult the airport’s website prior to arrival, despite the presence of directional signage on site.

This case highlights the importance of clear communication and flexibility when handling minor misunderstandings within traffic enforcement at busy transport hubs.