A local authority has apologised for issuing parking fines to drivers who were unable to move their vehicles following last week's fatal railway crash near Bedford. The collision, which occurred on Friday in Elstow, involved an East Midlands Railway train hitting the rear of another train on the same line.
Train driver Shaun Burton died in the incident, and more than 150 people were injured, with eight left in a critical condition. The crash led to the closure of the railway line, leaving many motorists stranded and unable to retrieve their cars from a council-run car park in Ashburnham Road, adjacent to Bedford station.
Despite the circumstances, fixed penalty notices were issued to some vehicles in the car park. One affected driver posted a picture of the ticket on social media, expressing frustration that they were unable to collect their car or extend parking due to the incident. The post sparked anger from other users, with some criticising the council's lack of discretion.
Bedford Borough Council has since apologised, stating that corrective action would be taken on any incorrect tickets issued. A spokesperson said: 'We are aware of this matter and apologise for any incorrect tickets issued. The council has already taken corrective action regarding these tickets.' Drivers who still need a ticket rescinded can contact the council via email.
Meanwhile, an interim report from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch found that Mr Burton's train passed a red signal before the collision. It remains unclear what alert the driver received from the onboard warning system. Of the 162 people injured, 102 required hospital treatment, with 53 still in hospital, including eight in a critical condition.
