COMMON sense has prevailed after a disabled war pensioner’s parking fine was cancelled – thanks to the Press! 

Chris Souden, 62, from Torryburn, was disgusted by the treatment he received by Civil Enforcement Ltd who manage the Carnegie Drive Retail car park in Dunfermline. 

The Royal Navy veteran went shopping at B&Q, Matalan and Home Bargain stores on September 18 and was fined £60 for exceeding the two-hour free parking limit. 

Despite providing evidence to Civil Enforcement of his amputee condition, which he says was the cause of his long stay, the company didn’t accept his appeal. 

The Press contacted B&Q and they were able to convince Civil Enforcement to cancel Chris’ fine. 

Chris said: “It’s great news to hear that they’re cancelling the fine. I have to say I wasn’t expecting that at all after my communication with Civil Enforcement so far. 

“As an amputee, I’m not able to walk far or quickly and the time I took to go around these shops and return to my car exceeded the ‘two-hour free parking’ limit by some 40 minutes.

“I appealed, stating the reason for exceeding the two-hour time period was due to my mobility problems and asked for some allowance due to the additional parking time it takes me to get around – but their response was it was my responsibility to adhere to the parking terms.

“I think that this is a disgusting way for a company to treat anyone with mobility issues. Is this a good way to support a disabled person’s independence?

“A £60 fine makes it a costly day out for me!

“I want to stay independent but this limit on how long I’m allowed to browse around a shop or even just go shopping for items I need is making it difficult. 

“It makes me feel like I don’t want to go into Dunfermline again and I feel disgusted that this company who manage a prime site in Dunfermline treat disabled people of Dunfermline in this manner.”

Chris served in the Royal Navy between 1974-79 where he was based at Rosyth and left when he lost his leg in an accident. He then worked for the MoD for 30 years down in England before moving back up to West Fife in March this year. 

He says as a disabled car badge-holder he has found the parking system very “confusing” with numerous regulations in different areas of Dunfermline town centre. 

“I cannot get into Dunfermline without a car,” he added. 

“I can get about but it does take me extra time to get out the car and walk around. 

“I’m prepared to pay for parking like you can in the Kingsgate but you don’t even get that option at the retail park.”

A B&Q spokesperson said: “The shared car park which serves the B&Q store at the Carnegie Drive retail park in Dunfermline is owned and managed by a third party. On this occasion, we have spoken to the car park operator who is organising for Mr Souden’s fine to be cancelled.”