Scooter rider’s hospital parking fine

10:45am Friday 3rd November 2006

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A motorcyclist who lost a leg through diabetes was fined for leaving his scooter in a disabled parking bay at York Hospital.

Alan Welsh cannot walk far because of his false leg, but was told by the parking attendant's office that the disabled parking spaces were solely for car-driving Blue Badge holders not bike riders.

Although Alan's own Blue Badge was clearly displayed on his automatic Vespa, he was informed the £25 fine would not be cancelled.

"They said I would have to appeal against the ticket. But if you have a disabled parking area, what's the point if disabled people can't park there?" said Mr Welsh, of Navigation Road, York.

The 45-year-old said he was astounded to discover the ticket, especially as a sign by the parking bay stated "Blue Badge holders only".

"I am a right leg amputee and have a false leg. My disability is through my diabetes. I had gangrene which started to spread up my leg, and I had to have it cut off to stop it spreading.

"My bike's an automatic. I can't ride anything with gears or a foot brake. I need to park in the bay at the hospital. I have a dual seat and usually put my badge under the strap of the seat. It wasn't hidden.

"I rang the people who issue Blue Badges, and they said I should be able to park in any area for badge holders."

The car park is managed by First Management Group, under a contract with York Hospitals NHS Trust.

When contacted by The Press, the company admitted its error.

Christopher Wigdor, head of corporate communication, said: "This is a complete first. It never occurred to the parking attendant that any two-wheeled vehicle would carry a disabled badge. It has never been seen before.

"Mr Welsh's ticket has been cancelled. But more importantly, all the parking attendants are being advised that if they see a two-wheeled vehicle, they should make sure it is not carrying a Blue Badge."

Mr Wigdor also pledged to alert the company's national head of operations to ensure attendants at all their sites across the UK were aware that two-wheeled vehicles could also bear Blue Badges.

He said they were also looking to see whether any changes were needed to the disabled parking arrangements at York Hospital to accommodate two-wheeled vehicles.