A holidaymaker has been refunded a £100 fine issued after stopping briefly to read signage upon entering Bristol Airport’s short stay car park.
Shelley Martin, from Monmouthshire, had pre-paid for her car park stay in June. As she arrived, she noticed a sign instructing passengers to ‘pay on exit’ alongside references to terms and conditions.
Momentarily uncertain and wishing to confirm she was in the correct car park, Ms Martin says she stopped her vehicle for just 18 seconds to read the sign properly. After returning from a family holiday to Palma, she was surprised to receive a £100 penalty for allegedly breaking the airport’s no-stopping rules.
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Initially, her appeal against the fine was rejected, with the enforcement company stating that the car park was not a place for stopping even briefly without accepting the charge. However, following coverage of the incident by Bristol Live, the airport has now instructed the enforcement firm, Vehicle Control Services, to refund the fine.
Ms Martin commented prior to the refund, describing the situation as “absolutely outrageous,” adding that it was more a matter of principle than the amount of the fine.
A spokesperson for Bristol Airport explained that the no-stopping rules and associated enforcement on red lines are in place to promote safety and ensure traffic flows smoothly around the airport access roads, helping to prevent accidents and congestion caused by stationary vehicles.
The spokesperson also noted that the customer had not contacted the airport to clarify her situation or confirm her pre-booking. After reassessing the case, the airport requested the penalty charge be rescinded.
They added: “While directional signage is in place on site, we encourage all customers uncertain about where to park to consult our website ahead of their journey to plan accordingly.”