Council Paints Disabled Bay Around Man's Car, Then Issues £70 Fine
A Newport man with significant mobility issues was left stunned after receiving a £70 parking fine just minutes after contractors painted a disabled parking bay he had requested around his vehicle.
Graham Tufft, 66, who has a below-knee amputation, a splint on his other leg, heart failure, and diabetes, had waited over two years for Newport City Council to install the designated space outside his home on East Usk Road.
"I Didn't Even Get Chance to Get the Badge"
On Monday afternoon, contractors finally arrived to mark out the bay, painting it directly around Mr. Tufft's parked car as he had formally requested. However, within moments of the work being completed, a parking warden placed a penalty charge notice on his vehicle.
"I didn't even get chance to get the badge and put it in my car," Mr. Tufft told reporters. "My wife walked outside and saw the fine. I waited two years and three months for this disabled bay to be painted outside my home."
His wife, Janice, explained that she had immediately gone online to check the requirements after the painting was finished, learning that the blue badge needed to be displayed. "So as soon as they were done I went outside to pop it on the dashboard," she said. "I noticed a piece of paper. At first, I thought it was some information left by the guys that installed it. Then I opened it and saw it said fixed penalty notice and well, I was in disbelief."
An "Unbelievable" Coincidence
The couple noted that the paint on the ground was still wet when the fine was issued. Mr. Tufft described the situation as particularly odd given that parking wardens are rarely seen in their quiet street.
"I feel like the warden was waiting for the contractors to leave, waiting around the corner," he speculated. "You don't see a parking warden here, you don't see a policeman. It's pretty quiet around here."
Janice added: "It is likely just a coincidence, but it is an unbelievable one at that."
Appeal Process Underway
The penalty charge notice states that if paid within 14 days, the fine is reduced to £35, but increases to £70 if paid after that period. The couple has now initiated the formal appeal process against the penalty and has contacted Newport City Council directly to raise their concerns.
Newport City Council was approached for comment regarding this incident but has not yet issued a public statement. The case highlights potential administrative gaps between council departments responsible for installing disabled parking infrastructure and those enforcing parking regulations.
