A rickshaw driver who is encouraging people in the town to adopt a ‘greener’ way of travel got a nasty surprise when his own legally parked van was issued with a parking ticket.
Phil Saltmarsh, 34, of Bayston Hill, discovered a £90 penalty fee attached to his van on Kingsland Bridge which he used to transport his rickshaw in, despite a notice on both the ticket and nearby signs stating that parking would be free.
Mr Saltmarsh had returned to the Quarry last weekend after a year’s break to pedal passers-by around in his rickshaw and was shocked to discover the ticket issued by Elite Parking Control at the end of the day.
He said: “As a reasonable chap the information on the ticket seemed pretty clear to me. However anyone who doesn’t use the bridge as frequently as I do might just pay up. It doesn’t look very good on the town if they’re giving out fines for what you think is correct behaviour.”
David Crawford Clarke, chairman of Kingsland Bridge Company, said that the issuing of the fine had been an “error” on behalf of Elite Parking Control and he confirmed that parking was free on Sundays and bank holidays.
Richard Porter, Elite Parking Control’s complaints manager, said: “To say this was an error is an under statement. It’s been quite a big mistake and the matter has been dealt with. Basically we had a new boy who started who was eager to impress and he shouldn’t have issued the ticket. We have spoken to the Kingsland Bridge Company and have quite happily resolved the matter.”
Mr Saltmarsh said: “I don’t think I would have got such a quick response if it wasn’t for the Chronicle’s help.”
‘Rickshaw Phil’ will be stationed on the quarry side of Porthill Bridge at weekends and bank holidays until October.
l Have you got a story about being given a parking ticket? Ring us on 01743 283322 or email chester@shrews burychronicle.co.uk or write to The Editor, Shrewsbury Chronicle, Chronicle House, Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY1 2DN.