An army veteran has been fined £120 after pulling into a car park to manage an anxiety attack. Charlie Wheeldon, 44, a former reservist from Portsmouth, stopped at an Aldi car park in Bournemouth run by Parkingeye when he felt symptoms of an attack.
Mr Wheeldon sat in the car park for less than 45 minutes before continuing his journey. He later received a £120 parking charge, reduced to £70 if paid within 48 hours. Despite explaining his medical episode, Parkingeye refused to cancel the fine.
Mr Wheeldon said he has been hospitalised twice before due to anxiety attacks. He stated: 'When it happens, you have to pull over where you can at the first opportunity you get.' He contacted an ombudsman, who reportedly told him he should not have to pay.
The parking company insists the fine is valid. Mr Wheeldon said: 'They are exploiting sick, vulnerable people and making money out of it.' He plans to contest the charge further.
