'Blue badge' driver's fury over ticket

Brian Traynor parked his jeep on the zig-zag lines on the traffic lights on High Street.

Mr Traynor, a blue badge holder, said he was forced to park at the traffic lights because the disabled parking bay was occupied when he pulled-up.

The 42-year-old suffers from spinal arthritis which makes it difficult for him to move around.

"I thought they would have let me away with it," said Brian, "I was parked right behind the car that was in the disabled bay, I was right against the kerb and I was only in the post office for a couple of minutes.

"What else was I supposed to do? I couldn't have parked up the town and walked down, what are you supposed to do when the disabled bay is filled?

Brian now faces a 60 penalty charge, reduced to 30 if it is paid with 14 days of issue.

He added: "It's ridiculous, I had my blue badge clearly on display and I saw the traffic warden having a good look at it - I thought he would let me away with it.

"But he said I was blocking up the road - it's a disgrace and I can't afford the fine.

"I was parked on the lines after the traffic light, but where else was I supposed to park?"

The car parked in the bay moved off shortly after Brian received his ticket and he was able to pull into the space before talking to the 'MAIL'.

A spokeswoman for the Roads Service said the vehicle was parked in a very dangerous location. However, the penalty charge notice (PCN) is to be cancelled because of an issuing error.

She said: "Photographs taken at the time this contravention occurred clearly shows the vehicle parked within the ziz-zag zone of a pedestrian crossing.

"Due the very special safety needs at pedestrian crossings, which all experienced road users should be familiar with, this is one of very few contraventions that remains enforceable by both traffic attendants and PSNI - for which there are no concessions for Blue Badge holders.

"However, the PCN issued on this occasion will be cancelled due to an issuing error.”