Parking Officials Cancel PCN and Issue Apology

After mother was issued ticket as she secured sick child in car seat

Council parking officials who asked a mother to provide written proof that her eight month-old baby soiled herself have back down after ChiswickW4.com published her story.

Local resident Gill Farrington received notification that her PCN had been cancelled, her £40 refunded and an apology for any distress caused.

A spokesperson for the council stated that "Although we are satisfied that the PCN was correctly issued for the offence, as a gesture of goodwill, we would like to apologise for any distress our Parking Attendant's actions caused to you and your daughter. We should have used a bit more discretion on your individual circumstances."

He continued, "On behalf of the Director of Street Management and Public Protection, I do hope you will accept our apology and refund."

The council went onto to state that appeals against Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are reviewed on a case by case basis. They also offered Ms Farrington a voucher to the value of £50 to use environmentally friendly "real nappies".

Ms Farrington told ChiswickW4.com "I am really pleased. I always accepted that I was late but just wanted a little bit of discretion and help from the attendant. it was plain ridiculous to ask for documentary evidence of my daughter soiling herself. Common sense has prevailed. I have tried real nappies already and was pleased with them. Isobel needs the next size now so the £50 voucher will be really handy."

July 19, 2007