A DRIVER has been left fuming after being hit with a “ridiculous” £170 for stopping at a traffic light.
Dave Fitzheslop claims he is being chased by debt collectors over the fee, which he incurred while driving by the terminal building at Bristol Airport.
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The airport has previously attracted criticism over its no stopping policy, enforced by their contractor Vehicle Control Service (VCS).
On Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert site, there is a 10-page public forum dedicated to advice for motorists who have been slapped with charges similar to Mr Fitzheslop’s.
Airport bosses insist that the policy must remain in place to “maintain high levels of road safety” in the area.
Mr Fitzheslop claims that he drove to the airport in April after his wife’s flight was delayed, meaning that she missed the bus back to their home in Cardiff.
He alleges that, while on his way to the short-stay car park, he stopped at a temporary traffic light that had been set up on the road.
It’s clear that this is just a money-making operation.
Dave Fitzheslop
It was at that point that, according to the disgruntled driver, his wife saw the car and hopped in – negating the need to enter the car park.
When the light turned green, he claims that he drove to the next roundabout, doubled back and left the airport without ever entering a pick-up zone or controlled car park.
As such, he was stunned when his wife, as registered owner of the vehicle, received a £100 fine in the post weeks later, claiming that she had been picked up in a restricted area.
Mr Fitzheslop told The Guardian: “The photos of our car clearly show I was parked at a traffic light, so I assumed that as soon as I made them aware of this, that would be the end of the matter.
“Instead, they have just chased me for the money.
“It’s clear that this is just a money-making operation.
“What was I supposed to do – ignore the traffic light, mow down the people crossing the road?
“The whole thing is ridiculous.”
After two unsuccessful appeals, the fine has now risen to £170 and the couple allege that VCS has handed the case over to debt collectors.
A spokesperson for the airport said: “Numerous signs, including at the airport entrance and along the roadways, state no stopping, dropping off or picking up.
“This is in the interest of airport security and customer safety.
“Mr Fitzheslop stopped directly next to one of these signs to pick up his wife, who walked into the road to get into the vehicle.
“Signage clearly states motorists will be liable for a charge of £100 if they contravene the conditions.
“We have a free waiting, drop-off and collection car park, which Mr Fitzheslop could have used, which has a courtesy bus that runs from the terminal every 10 minutes, around the clock.”
VCS has been contacted for comment.
