Woman fined £11,000 over five-minute parking rule in UK

Hannah Robinson, a regular at Feethams Leisure Centre in Darlington, County Durham, England has accumulated parking fines totalling £11,000 (Rs 11,80,465) due to a new five-minute rule. Despite purchasing a parking permit, Robinson faces these hefty penalties.

New rule causes financial burden

Excel Parking Services, which manages the car park, has implemented a rule requiring customers to buy their tickets within five minutes of arrival.

Challenges in adhering to the rule

Since 2021, Robinson has received 67 fines, each costing around £170 (Rs 18,000), due to difficulties in adhering to this rule. The lack of internet connectivity inside the car park often prevents her from making the necessary transactions in time.

Robinson's frustration

"It's ridiculous. I paid for it and have been trying for the full five minutes. They just don't care. I've done everything I can to contact them. All this just to park my car for work," she told BBC News.

Other drivers mentioned that the five-minute limit could be challenging for those with mobility issues or children.

Robinson feels the new rule unfairly targets drivers who follow parking regulations, leading to substantial financial strain despite her efforts to comply.

Purpose of the new rule

Excel Parking Services introduced this rule to prevent people from using the car park as a pickup spot for the nearby cinema without paying. ANPR cameras track when cars enter and leave the car park.

(With inputs from agencies)