Hannah Robinson from Darlington, UK, faces an astounding 11,000 pounds in parking fines under a stringent five-minute rule enforced by Excel Parking Services.
Despite holding a parking permit, she has received 67 fines since 2021, each costing about 170 pounds, due to a regulation requiring drivers to purchase their parking tickets within five minutes of entering the Feethams Leisure Centre car park.
This rule aims to deter loitering and prevent the car park from being a free pickup spot for nearby cinema-goers. It is monitored by ANPR cameras that log entry and exit times. However, Robinson struggles with this rule because of the lack of internet access in the parking area, making it challenging to comply swiftly.
She expressed her frustration to BBC News, stating, “It’s ridiculous. I paid for it…I’ve been trying for the full five minutes. They don’t care. I’ve done everything I can to get in touch with them.”
The issue also affects other drivers, especially those with mobility challenges or children, who find the five-minute limit unmanageable.
