A Croydon driver returned from holiday to find four parking tickets after contractors painted a disabled bay around his legally parked car without prior notice. The contractor left a note asking that no fines be issued, but a parking attendant ticketed the vehicle on multiple days. The driver posted CCTV of the workers after facing online criticism. Croydon Council apologised and said it will cancel the four fines.
Holiday Return Shock: Disabled Bay Painted Around Parked Car — Man Hit With Four Croydon Fines
ID 110823852 © Zoran Milisavljevic | Dreamstime.com
A man in Croydon, south London, returned from holiday to discover four parking fines after council contractors had painted a disabled parking bay around his legally parked car while he was away. The bay was installed with no prior notice to local residents, and workers painted carefully around the stationary vehicle so the job could be completed without delay.
Despite a handwritten note left by the contractor asking that no fines be issued, a parking attendant issued tickets on multiple days. The driver, who asked not to be identified, shared CCTV footage of the workers on social media after he faced online criticism for leaving the car where it was.
Council Response And Wider Questions
Croydon Council apologised for the incident and said it would cancel the four fines. The episode has prompted criticisms about coordination between contractors and enforcement officers and raised questions about how residents are informed when road markings or parking bays are being changed.
Croydon Council: "We apologise for the distress this caused and will cancel the fines."
The case highlights how communication failures can lead to unfair penalties and public backlash, and it may prompt councils to review procedures that notify residents and pause enforcement when contractors leave explanatory notes.
