Disabled parker left feeling blue

Former painter and decorator William Grant suffered a stroke a number of years ago, resulting in shor-term memory problems. He uses a blue badge – which allows him to use parking spaces nearer to shop entrances – as his walking is very slow.

He’s now facing a £90 parking ticket from Bishopbriggs Retail Park.

William (71) who lives in Westergreens Avenue, Kirkintilloch, explained how it happened: ‘‘As I turned a corner my blue badge slipped off my dashboard and fell down to the floor. By the time I got to the parking space I had forgotten about it.’’

He got a ticket when he was gone for a few minutes and he was advised to send in an appeal with a copy of his badge. He added: ‘‘I was quite upset. I just hope they let me off, it was a genuine mistake. I am worried about it.’’

A spokesman for Smart Parking said: “Mr. Grant parked in a disabled parking bay without showing a blue badge so he received a parking charge. However, Smart Parking runs a fully audited appeals process, therefore if Mr. Grant provides evidence of his blue badge we will be pleased to cancel his charge. In addition we will add his registration to the relevant onsite list to ensure that he receives no further charges whilst parking at Bishopbriggs Retail Park.”