Liverpool serviceman fined £90 for stopping at John Lennon Airport barrier for 30 seconds
A Liverpool serviceman was fined £90 at John Lennon Airport after he was stuck behind a barrier for just 30 seconds.
Paul Carroll, who is serving in Cyprus, lashed out at the “disgraceful tactics” of the VCS parking company, which controls the area on behalf of the airport.
Dad-of-one Paul, 40, had returned to Liverpool at Christmas to visit family and get some “much-needed rest and recuperation”, he told the ECHO.
He and wife Emma had hired a car from Budget car hire at JLA and were trying to return it when the barrier to the car park would not open.
He said: “Upon returning the car the barrier refused to open for the lady in front and caused a four-car queue while she got the attendant to come and open it.
“During this time the VCS employee in the van at the end of the road snapped us for stopping.”
The couple were sent a £60 invoice from VCS for stopping on a public highway.
Furious Paul, from Old Swan , said: “We never stopped to pick up or drop off. We stopped because the Budget barrier made us. What do they expect? Are we all meant to drive around aimlessly hoping the barrier would be miraculously fixed?
“To add insult to injury Budget added on a £30 administration fee for paying an invoice on my behalf, saying it is in their terms and conditions.”
Documents seen by the ECHO show that the first picture taken of the car by the VCS parking vehicle was at 16:23:00 on December 23.
The third picture, showing the front wheels of their car turned towards the entrance as they move into the Budget car park, was taken at 16:23:30 - just 30 seconds later.
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