Yahoo News Lincolnshire council apologises after 36 parking penalties issued in error
Lincolnshire County Council has apologised after an admin error led to enforcement officers wrongfully issuing 36 parking fines in Skegness.
On Saturday September 28, the seaside resort hosted its 10th annual Light Parade, where Honda Goldwing owners from across the country proudly rode down Grand and North Parade.
Two weeks prior to the event, signs were put up on either side of Lumley Road, indicating that the road would be closed, but for the wrong date—Sunday, September 29.
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This led to 36 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) being issued to residents and business owners, but they have since been cancelled.
Matt Jones, Parking Services Manager at LCC said: “When we were told what had happened, we looked into the booking around the parking for the event and found that we had made an admin error when processing this particular parking bay suspension.
“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this and take the error firmly on our shoulders. As a result, we have cancelled the 36 PCNs issued. Any fines that have been paid will be reimbursed immediately, also.
“We will address the issue that happened with the event booking, and the parking suspension, so that nothing along these lines will be able to happen again.”
Mayor of Skegness, Councillor Adrian Findley, praised the Light Parade event after thousands of people lined the town’s streets to watch, stating: “The event itself was an absolute success. It was well organized; everything about it went really well.”
However, he described it as a “very sad day for Skegness” in a social media post after learning about the fines. Councillor Findley vowed to challenge the PCNs, arguing that parking enforcement officers used “zero common sense” while issuing them.
“This parking malarkey, I don’t know how it’s come about, but it’s upset a lot of people,” he added, highlighting how one disabled couple received a second fine after moving their car to a different spot.
The Skegness Town Councillor noted that with the Christmas period only a few months away, some people might not have the money to pay these fines.
“Christmas is coming; people might not have £70 to pay a fine, and if they don’t pay it, they could potentially end up in court with even bigger costs.
“I can’t just sit back as an elected representative of the people of Skegness and not challenge it.”
