Stanmer Park: One Parking Solution 'fined disabled drivers'

It comes after The Argus was contacted by several angry residents who have been hit with tickets for parking within the grounds at Stanmer Park during the coronavirus pandemic.

Independent councillor Bridget Fishleigh raised the issue of a private contractor, employed by the council, giving tickets to cars showing Blue Badges.

She criticised One Parking Solution and called on the council to end the company’s contract.

READ MORE: Walkers hit with £100 parking fines at popular park slam 'cynical trap'

Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has already called for One Parking Solution to be “chucked out the city” after it fined drivers for pulling into a Peacehaven car park for a medical emergency and to pick someone up.

Speaking ahead of a full meeting of the council, she said: “There’s nothing to do and so a walk around Stanmer lifts the spirits.

“Not everyone can ride a bike there, and many people don’t want to get on the bus at this time.

“So, as there aren’t enough spaces, people are parking on the verges.”

Parking signage in Stanmer Park

At the council meeting, she said two official car parks in Stanmer Park closed before a new car park was completed and more people are driving to the park to avoid using public transport during the current Covid-19 related lockdown.

She said the council argues cars prevent the 78 bus completing its route, but she could not get confirmation from Brighton and Hove buses.

People have parked on the verges for many years before and now but face parking fines if they are not in the car park.

She asked the council to reconsider using a parking company dishing out £100 fines to people who want to go for a walk around Stanmer Park.

The access road into the park, and areas to the right of the road where people have received fines for parking on

Environment, Transport and Sustainability chair Green councillor Amy Heley said the council would continue to employ the company at the park.

Councillor Heley said: “There is clear signage to indicate where parking is not permitted and where it is.

“Vehicles parking on the grass areas cause damage to the beautiful environment that people are there to enjoy.

“The verge parking often causes problems for larger vehicles that need to access and exit the park, including buses, tractors, service vehicles and emergency vehicles.”

People should use other modes of transport to get to the park, such as cycling walking or public transport when Covid-19 transmission risk reduces.

READ MORE: Drivers slapped with parking fines at beauty spot

But, Councillor Fishleigh said, the signs saying that parking in bays was prohibited were too small and hard to spot.

She asked if Councillor Heley approved of parking tickets for Blue Badge holders on council owned land.

To which she responded: “I support the rights that Blue Badge Holders have, and that would apply to Stanmer Park as well.”

One Parking Solution has been approached for comment.