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Michael Murphy

Motorist slams parking attendant after receiving fine for leaving broken-down car in taxi bay


Image credit: Stacey Freeland

A motorist has slammed a Folkestone and Hythe District Council parking attendant who issued a fine for leaving a broken-down car in a taxi bay while waiting for a recovery truck, despite local taxi drivers saying they didn’t mind and were happy to help the unfortunate driver.

Stacey Freeland said she was able to move her vehicle into the taxi bay to free up the road for other motorists. Stacey stressed that she was stuck at a set of traffic lights, meaning she was blocking part of the pedestrian crossing.

Thinking that the safest and most considerate option was to park the car in the available taxi bay, Stacey, who was with her two children, managed to manoeuvre her vehicle safely to the side of the road and call for a recovery truck.


What happened next has left a bitter taste in Stacey’s mouth. Taking to social media to explain the incident, Stacey said: ”I was near Lidl in Folkestone when my car broke down. I was at the traffic lights and my car was blocking part of the road and the pedestrian crossing, I also had my 2 kids with me.

“After some time, I managed to get my car to a safe place (taxi rank), although not ideal, I was no longer a hazard. I rung green flag and arranged recovery. After a few minutes a traffic warden knocked on my window and told me I cannot park here. I apologised and explained I wasn't parked but I had actually broken down and waiting recovery. I showed him the confirmation from green flag showing the time the incident was logged and when they are due.

Image credit: Stacey Freeland

“The traffic warden again asked me to move my car and in an attempt not to get a ticket I showed him that as soon as I try to move, my car stalls. He once again said I wasn't allowed to park in the taxi rank and continued to give me a ticket.”


Stacey went on to ask: “What type of warden would prefer you to be stuck in the road causing a hazard and being a danger to others when you can just pull into a taxi bay while you wait recovery?”

Image credit: Stacey Freeland

Stacey even said that the taxi drivers were fully understanding and pleaded with the warden on her behalf.

Stacey concluded that she respects and understand that parking attendants have a job to do and they are needed, however she says some common sense is needed and it‘s “people like this particular warden who give the decent and honest wardens a bad name“.

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