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Motorist fined for displaying disabled badge upside down
A pensioner has been hit with a £70 parking fine for displaying a blue disabled badge the wrong way up.
Jean and Reginald Elcox, both 60, had a ticket slapped on their Renault Scenic when they parked off Fishergate Hill in Preston to go shopping.
They pleaded with Parkwise bosses to overturn the fine, sending them a letter with a copy of the badge, but the appeal was rejected.
Electrician Mr Elcox, whose retired wife Jean became eligible for a blue badge when she had her hip replaced, said he mistakenly placed the badge face down, though the pass number and his wife's photo was still on display.
They paid the fine, reduced to 35 for prompt payment.
Mr Elcox, of Kingsfold, Penwortham, said: "I could understand them giving a warning for doing it but not a fine.
"It smacks of profiteering.
"I parked my vehicle in the correct zone and you're allowed three hours, but we were only away about an hour-and-a-half.
"It's unbelievable. Maybe it will act as a warning to others."
A Parkwise spokesman said: "Since the introduction of new style blue badges in October 2007, which state clearly how the badge should be displayed, we have reviewed our adjudication procedures and now determine each blue badge case on its individual merits.
"In this case, there were no mitigating circumstances which would have permitted the cancellation of the charge."
Parkwise came under fire last year when wardens put tickets on the cars of 10 church-goers attending a Remembrance Sunday event. Fines were overturned on appeal.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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