Sainsbury's parking saga: Council backs down over appeals (From Bucks Free Press)

Sainsbury's parking saga: Council backs down over appeals

9:34am Tuesday 15th May 2012 in News By James Nadal

TWO more motorists hit by £50 fines at the car park behind Sainsbury's in Marlow were victorious in their appeals.

Wycombe District Council has backed down on two cases set to go to the independent parking adjudicator.

It comes after the found in favour of businesswoman Sue Preece last week.

The council had said her victory did not set a precedent and appeals had to be considered on an individual basis.

Yet, officials have now scrapped their attempt to enforce the penalties for consumer champion Ian Nixey and Holmer Green resident Stan Samek.

Both had upcoming hearings set.

Machines installed when Sainsbury's opened printed two similar looking pieces of paper - firstly a store discount voucher, the second a parking ticket.

Problems arose for drivers when they mistakenly took the first part only and placed this on display.

Wycombe District Council changed the machines soon after complaints.

The Marlow Free Press appealed to the council to cancel the fines, believing them to be unjust.

Mr Nixey, 63, CEO of Windsor and Maidenhead Citizens Advice Bureau, was actually caught out in January after the machines changed, displaying the wrong part of the printed ticket.

The Henley Road resident said both parts looked nearly identical.

He admitted his mistake but said the fact was he had paid for the ticket and had proof.

He claimed the instructions were unclear and the fine was simply unfair.

He said: "I just feel sorry for the people who have already paid up and not appealed.

"I think common sense has prevailed but whether it's the council's common sense I'm not convinced.

"It shouldn't have happened in the first place, they should be much more customer responsive.

"They should recognise that there has been a problem and take some of the blame for it."

He called for the council to pay back everyone affected.

Mr Samek, whose son Antosh co-owns the Clayton's bar in Oxford Road, was one of 92 motorists who displayed the wrong piece of paper during December but was also told this week the council were no longer pursuing his £50.

He is donating £50 to charity instead.

The council has not commented since responding to the decision on Mrs Preece's successful appeal.