A HUDDERSFIELD couple have attacked Kirklees over the council's refusal to overturn their parking fine.
The council is insisting on charging Gavin and Sharlene Noble for being illegally parked in a residential zone.
The problem, say the couple, is that they were parked outside their Lindley home at the time!
Mrs Noble, 37, had her hands full when she returned to her home on Union Street after a shopping trip.
Her arms were loaded with carrier bags and she had to attend to a screaming seven-week-old baby.
She rushed into her house, forgetting to prop up the parking display permit in her car.
When she returned 30 minutes later, a Penalty Charge Notice had been slapped on the vehicle.
Mr Noble, 32, appealed against the fine to the council.
The appeal was rejected on the grounds that the car was left in a residents' permit parking area and a valid permit was not on display.
Mr Noble said: "I explained the situation, but the council said I had not given sufficient reason.
"I understand that the warden did not know we were residents.
"But as after the event we proved that we were residents I don't think it is unreasonable to say we should be granted an appeal.
"When I spoke to someone at the council they said if it had been in the town I wouldn't be able to appeal - but I don't live in the car park!
"It's a bit silly if you can't appeal, even though you are a resident.
"If I had parked illegally outside the scheme I wouldn't appeal.
"It is annoying as when you go out on to our street there are so many non-residents parked there. None of them seem to get parking tickets.
"We stood outside one day and counted at least a dozen non-residents' vehicles. Not one had been given a ticket.
"It is just common sense that if you are a resident involved in a residential scheme you should be granted an appeal."
The couple do have a choice of either paying the £30 fine or appealing again. They are likely to pay the fine as if they wait to contest it again they run the risk of the fine being increased for late payment.
Mr Noble said it was more about the principle than the money.
He said: "I really just want to highlight the stupidity of the system.
"I want the council to take a look at it and apply common sense in the future.
"There should be a system in place to reverse the charge if something like
this happens."
A Kirklees spokesperson said: "It is in the interests of all the residents with such permits that the zone be enforced.
"There is no discretion when individuals fail to display their permits as parking attendants can only tell if the vehicle is in a scheme if it has a valid permit on display.
"The couple may now submit a formal appeal."
