Dispute over parking fines

Only a few of the drivers caught out by a controversial parking bay will have their fines refunded, a council has said.

The bay - the only space reserved for disabled people in Aylestone Lane Car Park in Wigston, Leicestershire - used to be marked in the same white paint as the other bays with the word "Disabled" painted alongside.

The bay has now been redesigned after complaints from those using the area.

Several drivers had demanded their fines be repaid but Oadby and Wigston Borough Council has said not everyone had an excuse.

Appeals examined

The bay only had a small, blue metal sign as the other indication the area was reserved for disabled drivers.

The statutory fine for parking illegally in the bay is £50, reduced to £25 if it is paid within seven days.

The complaints have meant the council re-painted the bay with a bright yellow disabled logo in the middle of the space.

Some of those who were fined will get their money back.

The council's Director of Development and Consumer Service, Wendy Beck, said: "We have looked into all the appeals we have had and where it has been justified we have made refunds but where it is not justified we don't."

She added: "You may find that an elderly person who isn't disabled but whose eyesight isn't that good might have been confused.

"There are all sorts of circumstances which qualify and we have agreed these with our local representatives."