A call centre worker who has an invisible illness claims he was given a ticket for double parking during a medical episode.
Joan Jover has Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome and Spondyloarthritis, which makes it difficult for him to perform everyday tasks and means he must take constant medication.
Joan told the media he had been driving from a hospital appointment to his home in Sale, Greater Manchester, when he felt a sharp pain in his leg.
Instead of causing a danger to other drivers by stopping on the road, Joan decided to pull into a nearby car park while he phoned for a friend to come and pick him up. But he told the Manchester Evening News that while he waited a traffic warden approached the car, began taking photographs, and filled out a form.
Joan said: “I didn’t even get the chance to explain to the warden why I was there before he issued me with a ticket.”
After receiving the ticket and a £70 fine, Joan wrote to the local authority explaining his medical condition, and why he had opted to stop there. He claims he was parked for no more than three minutes before being approached by the warden.
He said: “I told them I have a disability and that is why I stopped – I told them I thought it was the safest option. I was angry, disappointed and furious that the traffic warden never gave me the chance to explain myself.”
A reply from Manchester City Council said they were happy with the action of the officer and would be upholding their decision.
A Council spokesperson said: “If Mr Jover can provide evidence to support his reason for parking in a restricted area, the council will review his case.”
Joan said: “At the end of the day, it is not about the money, it is the fact that I think it’s completely unfair. It is like they just don’t care.”
To read the full details from the Manchester Evening News please visit https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-council-parking-ticket-disability-16956790
