Man demands repayment after being fined for parking on Exeter Street

Mark Baber, from Wimborne, parked in Exeter Street while visiting Salisbury on Sunday, January 28, but later returned to find a yellow ticket on his windscreen.

After being made aware of an article in the Journal about a row of cars being ticketed by a passer-by, Mr Baber shared the distress of unknowing motorists.

Read more: Row of cars fined for parking on Exeter Street after new restrictions

Mr Baber said: "I too am extremely disappointed and angry about this and feel that the 'small' car park sign is very misleading."

A whole row of cars were ticketed for parking in restricted spaces on Saturday, January 20. (Image: Cristina George)

The on-street parking spaces were converted into coach parking for four months so that Salisbury Coach Park could be remodelled.

Wiltshire Council brought in an order to suspend parking from January 8 and it is anticipated to be required until April 30.

Mr Baber's frustration lies in the unclear meaning of the new signs, he said: "Whilst the signs clearly show a picture of a coach and the times 8am to 6pm, this could mean, for example, that parking is available all day to all vehicles (as highlighted by the P on the sign) but that coaches are only permitted to park there between 8am and 6pm."

Upon scouring the internet for similar examples of coach parking signs, Mr Baber said the results were much clearer and categorically stated 'coaches only'.

"On that basis, I believe Wiltshire Council is at fault and should have made the signs very much clearer than it did and should be accountable and repay everybody (including me) who has been fined for this clear and obvious error," he added.

The small signs have been described as misleading. (Image: Cristina George)

Councillor Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said it is the responsibility of drivers to check they are parked correctly.

She added: "This change was advertised twice in the Salisbury Journal on December 14 and January 4. In addition, a letter was hand-delivered to all residents in Exeter Street on December 5.

"In line with Traffic Sign Regulations and General Directions, there are two signs informing motorists of the parking restrictions. The onus is always on the motorist to check that they are parked in accordance with any restrictions present each time they park.”

Cllr Thomas said people can appeal against Penalty Charge Notices by completing a form on the Wiltshire Council website and any extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.