A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer has been left devastated after being ticketed twice in as many months for parking on double yellow lines in Barnard Castle despite her disability badges being on display.
Susan Todd, of Staindrop, visited the town on Thursday, May 11, to collect items for her elderly mum from Teesdale Disability Access Forum’s shop along Market Place.
The 55-year-old parked on the double yellow lines alongside the public toilets on the cobbles, an area designated for motorbikes.
She says not only were her disability badges clearly on display, but also left a note explaining her whereabouts.
She had been away for about six minutes when she was given a ticket.
Ms Todd said: “It is absolutely driving me nuts because this is the second parking ticket I’ve had in two months.
“Life is difficult enough when you have a disability.”
She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003 and while she usually uses a wheelchair, she can walk short distances with the aid of two sticks.
The previous ticket was issued when she parked on double yellow lines at the bottom of the county council’s parking area near Morrison’s supermarket.
She parked there because all the disabled bays were full. She was visiting the chiropodist at the time. An appeal was made against the ticket.
Ms Todd said: “I was let off but I got a very stroppy email back. Life is difficult enough without getting grief off them.”
Ms Todd said her appeal against the ticket would include a letter of support from Teesdale Disability Access Forum chief executive Anne Henderson.
Dave Wafer, strategic traffic manager at Durham County Council, said: “There are many places where anyone holding a disabled parking badge is able to stop including on single or double yellow lines, providing that no obstructions are caused.
“Unfortunately parking in designated motorcycle only bays, as is the case in this instance, is not permitted.
“Anyone who wants to appeal a parking ticket can do so and that appeal will be carefully considered.”
