By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-31 06:56:08 | Updated at 2025-04-04 19:58:39
4 days ago
A parking row has engulfed a man after he was slapped with a whopping £250 fine over a £2.70 hospital parking ticket.
Gordon Clark has insisted that he "won't back down" from the situation "as a matter of principle".
Accompanied by his wife, Clark dropped into QE hospital in Gateshead in August 2022 to visit a friend, parking a Renault Captur for just over an hour.
When the man tried to pay the initial parking ticket, the machine flashed up with a message reading: "No payment required."
Gordon Clark visited a friend in hospital and received a parking fine two weeks later
Google Street View
"My wife and I are both retired and have always paid our dues."
Clark has confirmed that he has written to the private management firm to demand an explanation from their supplier as to how the event played out as it did - both for him and other users of the car park who have also been afflicted with the same fine.
However, the motorist lamented that has "never" received a response.
He explained: "I have never received a response but have instead received many letters stating they maintain their position followed by threatening letters from a third-party debt collection agency and a court letter for over £250 for a less than £3 parking fee."
The motorist lamented that has "never" received a response from the private car parking company despite reaching out
Google Street View
A spokesman for Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust said: "While we do not have the full details of Mr Clark's case and so cannot comment on his situation, we are sorry for any distress caused by this issue.
"ParkingEye is an independent contractor which manages the car parking payment and penalty notice system on our behalf.
"If patients or visitors speak to us about parking issues, we will always try to assist, particularly where people have had problems with the payment system or exemptions.
"Although Gateshead Health is not involved in the operational management or the enforcement of ParkingEye's policies, nor in the issuance of fines, we will offer advice and assistance where possible."
GB News has approached ParkingEye and Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust for comment.
