Former firefighter in car park 'safety' ticket row

A TEESSIDE Park visitor has refuted suggestions his parking compromised safety after being slapped with a £60 fine.

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

Derek Berryman at Teesside Park where he received the ticket from parking enforcers Minster Baywatch

Derek Berryman said he is unlikely to return to the retail park after receiving a charge for parking on the white line on the edge of a hatched area. The retired firefighter said he had to park in that manner to allow his disabled passenger to safely exit his vehicle.

He claims the parking posed no danger and appealed the ticket, citing the Equality Act.

However, enforcement firm, Minster Baywatch, upheld the charge, stating Mr Berryman's parking was not in line with terms and conditions stated on signage in the car park. They also said the parking "may have impeded important space required by the adjacent disabled space user by their parking".

Mr Berryman parked in the bay on October 9, and pictures taken by the parking enforcers show the driver's side wheels are on the line of the hatched area between spaces.