A mother from Kidderminster has expressed her anger after receiving a £100 parking fine for overstaying in a car park that was gridlocked with traffic. Natalie Minaker, 39, visited Crossley Retail Park on December 22 to buy a child's car seat from Smyths Toys.
Ms Minaker parked at 11.12am and returned to her car at 11.50am, but was unable to leave due to a stationary queue of traffic. She walked home to feed her children and returned at 1.30pm, with 40 minutes of free parking remaining. However, the congestion persisted, and she was stuck for another hour, overstaying by 12 minutes.
The parking company G24 issued a fixed penalty notice, which Ms Minaker appealed, explaining the circumstances. Her appeal was rejected, with the company noting she had not called a helpline displayed on car park signs. Ms Minaker said the number was not visible from inside her car.
She has now received a final notice for payment. Ms Minaker said: 'This is not about the money. This is about fairness. I think my case is indicative of a wider issue. There is very little independent oversight of the parking industry.'
