Man Fined For Parking Outside His House Despite Using Same Spot For 22 Years

A man has been fined for parking outside his house, despite using the exact same spot for the past 22 years.

Mark Shrimpton lives near the village of Mouswald, south-west of Dumfries in Scotland and has been parking his car outside his home for over two decades - without any issue.

However, the 62-year-old says he recently left his home around 7am to take his dog for a walk, and when he returned an hour later, he found a ticket on the windscreen.

Mr Shrimpton, who works at Alpha Solway in Annan, is now fighting the penalty, saying he doesn't see why he should have to pay.

Speaking about the bizarre story, he said: "The ticket said I was parked on an unlit road without lights during the hours of darkness, but I’ve parked in the exact same spot for 22 years without a problem.

Media Scotland

"I’ve always parked there because my wife and daughter park their cars in the drive and there’s no space for mine. I live just outside Mouswald between the village and the A75 and it’s the only house on the street. It’s a country road used by milk tankers and HGVs that get by no problem.

"The police pass my house at least twice every day on their way back and forth from doing speed checks on the A75 and this is the first time I’ve ever had a ticket.

"I contacted police who said once a ticket has been issued, it can’t be revoked, so it will need to go to court because I won’t pay. I need to know one way or another what the situation is as I could potentially receive a parking ticket every day for the rest of my life, even though I haven’t had one since."

Mr Shrimpton says all of this stress could probably have been avoided if the police had used a bit of common sense.

"Maybe if the police had knocked on my door before issuing the ticket, it could have been resolved without a ticket," he added.

"I could have told them I’ve parked there for 22 years and despite police cars passing every day, it’s never been a problem before."

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: "Officers in Dumfries and Galloway can enforce legislation in relation to parking that is considered to be causing an obstruction or dangerous and in a number of other circumstances; including parking a vehicle on a road in certain conditions during hours of darkness without showing the lights or reflectors required by law.

Alamy

"Each incident is assessed on its own merit and if deemed necessary a conditional offer of fixed penalty or a fixed penalty notice can be issued depending on the circumstances and offence.

"The recipient of a fixed penalty notice can request a court hearing within a specified period of time to challenge the circumstances in which the penalty was issued.

"If a person in receipt of a such a penalty does not pay the penalty within the required period of time, or request a court hearing, the penalty can be increased and enforced through the courts.

"Non-payment of conditional offers of fixed penalty are reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for consideration of prosecution."

Topics: UK News