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Drivers disgusted after council parking wardens fine cars that had to be abandoned in the snow

People were in outrage as parking wardens put fines on cars that were abandoned in the snow.

Many drivers across Medway were forced to leave their cars in the road because of the snowfall last night.

But, the last thing they expected was to find a parking ticket on their windscreen when they came to collect it.

Cars have been abandoned on Walderslade Wood Road. Pic from Paul Burch.
Cars have been abandoned on Walderslade Wood Road. Pic from Paul Burch.

Chatham resident Matt Negus spotted parking wardens at 9pm last night in Castle Road, Chatham.

He said: "Medway council hold your heads in shame.

"I witnessed a traffic warden on Castle Road ticketing abandoned cars due to the heavy and dangerous conditions.

"When clearly, if the council had the gritters out early enough, the drivers may have got home.

One car was abandoned after it got stuck in the snow. Pic by Alan Moles. (6927453)
One car was abandoned after it got stuck in the snow. Pic by Alan Moles. (6927453)

"They should know how bad it was.

"Surely they don’t expect people to be out first thing, walking back to see if they can get the car back."

Ward Councillor for Chatham Central, Vince Maple (Lab) said: "I do not agree with the ticketing at all.

"I have spoken to a senior council officer and they said a snow protocol is in place.

Councillor Vince Maple disagrees with the parking charges.
Councillor Vince Maple disagrees with the parking charges.

"They also said drivers should go out and collect their abandoned car if it's safe."

Medway Council issued a social media post this morning saying parking wardens would be mindful of the abandoned cars.

The post said: "We're aware that a number of motorists abandoned their vehicles last night due to the severe weather conditions.

Cars have been abandoned due to heavy snow in Walderslade and Lordswood. Pic from Paul Burch.
Cars have been abandoned due to heavy snow in Walderslade and Lordswood. Pic from Paul Burch.

"Our parking enforcement officers are mindful of this and will not be issuing fixed penalty notices to vehicles which have been obviously abandoned - such as where double yellow lines cannot be seen."

However, many people have taken to social media to complain their abandoned cars were given tickets.

Medway Council said the wardens have been told to avoid the worst hit areas such as Walderslade, Lordswood and Blue Bell Hill.

If anyone has been given a parking fine they can appeal it on the Medway Council website.

Drivers have been advised to include a picture of the snow on the road they left their car.

To appeal your fine click here.

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