Blind woman charged for car park overstay after conditions changed

A BLIND woman who also struggles to walk has been fined for overstaying in a car park after being caught out by a change to its terms and conditions.

- by LISA LETCHER

Laura Harris and her husband, who drives, have been regular users of the Sloop car park in St Ives for years, because it provides the easiest access for her.

In the past disabled badge holders received an hour's grace period if they overstayed, but on May 9 Mrs Harris received a parking fine from Cornwall Council.

She had paid for three hours and said she overstayed by 32 minutes, which would previously not have attracted a penalty.

Mrs Harris, 43, said she queried the charge and was told the grace period had been removed something she was unaware of, given she couldn't read text and that there was no sign in the car park notifying users of the change.

She was told to appeal by email, which would also be difficult given her health conditions.

Mrs Harris called her treatment "absolutely disgusting" and said those in charge needed to be told how to deal with disabled people.

"I'm registered blind, have heart and kidney failure, diabetes and mobility issues," she said.