A motorist is warning other short stay park users of the erection of new “obscured” parking restrictions outside a public green space.
Dean Gardiner parked his car on a grass verge near Riverside Country Park so he and his elderly, sick mum could pop in for a brief stroll along the river.
But the 54-year-old was shocked when he returned 15 minutes later to see he had been slapped with a parking fine.
Dean said he knew restrictions were in force in the Sharps Green car park inside, but he had no idea he had to pay to stop off at the isolated spot along Lower Rainham Road outside – an area he’s been familiar with for more than 20 years.
And he claimed the “newly-installed” Medway Council sign was obscured from view by foliage.
The authority introduced a charge of £2.50 for the day to visit the designated car parks at Riverside in Gillingham and Capstone Farm Country Park in Chatham from September last year.
A spokesman said signs indicating parking restrictions were in operation outside also were put in place two months later because drivers were obstructing access.
Dean told KentOnline: “My mother has dementia and my father has Parkinson’s and is her carer.
“I was taking my mum for a quick walk to give my dad a break.
“We were only going to be about 15 minutes because she has mobility problems.
“I had no reason to pay for an all-day ticket.”
Dean, a insurance claims manager, described it as the council’s “new little money spinner”.
He said: “Putting a sign down a dead-end road, country lane, so people have to use the car park. This is just the council penny pinching.”
He felt that it was also taking advantage of some people who just wanted to take some exercise or walk their dog, and not spend the day there.
The disgruntled park user added: “A one-size-fits-all parking charge scheme does not work for everyone.
“Why not give 30 minutes free for short visits, like those trying to give their sick and elderly relatives some fresh air and exercise?”
He added that if a dog owner wanted to use the park every day, they could notch up a bill of nearly £800 in a year.
Dean, whose parents live in Rainham near the park, appealed the £35 fine with Medway Council, but lost.
A Medway Council spokesman said: “Parking restrictions and signage were placed on the access road to Riverside Country Park in November last year, after park rangers reported vehicles parking on the road and blocking access to a gate in the layby.
“Council officers will inspect the signage to check its visibility and cut back foliage if needed.
“All visitors arriving by car at Riverside Country Park are advised to use the car parks provided.”
