Dad slams charity race parking ticket

4:00pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

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A FATHER who mistakenly parked in a residents only' zone in Old Trafford while watching his wife take part in a charity run in memory of their daughter has blasted traffic wardens for blitzing the area during the race.

Richard Mather, told SUM he was incensed by the "callous" actions of wardens, who he claims deliberately took advantage of Sunday's Great North Run event to make a quick buck out of drivers unfamiliar with area's specific restrictions.

He parked his car in Railway Road, mistakenly believing he was safe to do so not being a match day. He was, however, unaware he'd parked a few metres into a permit holders zone, and his indiscretion cost him a £35 fixed penalty notice.

Richard, there to see his wife complete the fun-run in aid of Francis House Children's hospice where their terminally ill daughter, Shadia, died of cancer two years ago, said: "I think they probably knew there'd be a lot of people driving in to see the race, and thought it be a good way to make a bit of easy money," he said.

"It was a really emotional day for me. My wife was running with a T-shirt with a picture of Shadia on the front, and then I got back to find a parking attendant giving me a ticket. It was the last thing I needed.

"I explained to him why I was there and said give me a break', but he just said, not my problem mate,'!

"I was there for a charity event. It wasn't a match day and there were loads of spare spaces, but he didn't care."

Traffic bosses at the town hall were, however, in no mood for backing down.

A spokesman defended their warden's actions, said Mr Mather had been abusive, and insisted the ticket would stand. "We get requests from residents to check residents only zones and these are monitored on a regular basis. As part of this work, a ticket was issued to Mr Mather who was parked in a residents only zone on Railway Road."

Adding: "We do sympathise with Mr Mather's personal circumstances but residents do expect us to ensure that these zones are properly enforced."