motorists have been left fuming after being issued parking fines in the centre of Sheffield in what has been described as a ‘money-making con’.
Roadworks on Campo Lane meant six short-stay parking bays were out of use to the public for 10 days.
After the roadwork barriers were removed, the spaces appeared to be available.
However, two signs pinned to the wall at the end of the road warned drivers parking was still suspended until 6pm the following day – and parking wardens spent the day issuing £35 fines to the unsuspecting motorists.
Drivers say the signs where so poorly positioned they could not been seen when they got out of their vehicles, and there were no signs on the only parking meter warning them parking was prohibited.
Paul Bown, aged 35, who works at nearby Atos Medical Services, said: “From where I was, when I got out of my car it was impossible for me to see the sign.
“I’m extremely unhappy I’ve been given a ticket, it’s a joke.
“I paid at the meter at 2.15pm and there was nothing to suggest I couldn’t park here.”
Fellow motorist Stephen Grayhurst described the situation as an ‘outrageous trap’.
He said: “I couldn’t believe it. I’ve parked there loads of times and saw nothing that said I couldn’t that day.
“When I saw the fine I thought my time had elapsed or my ticket had fallen off, but then I was told about the signs.
“The traffic wardens have targeted people. It’s just been a money-making con from the council.
“I want my fine rescinded and an apology from the council.”
Fellow motorist Danielle Winkler, 24, paid for her parking by phone, using the RingGo system.
She said: When I came back I thought RingGo had failed.
“Why did they take the barriers down if you still were not allowed to park there?”
But Emma Barker, Sheffield Council parking services assistant manager, said: “An officer has been and checked the signage displaying news of these closures and I am reassured correct guidelines have been followed and these signs are clearly visible to motorists.”
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