William Eichler 19 November 2015

Woman charged £6,500 for one hour of parking

An accountant was charged over £6,000 for one hour of parking while she paid a visit to her financial advisor.

Ruth Ritchie, 60, used a mobile phone app called PayByPhone to pay for her parking in Granville Street car park, Swindon.

She believed she was paying £1.20 but, it turns out, she paid £6,500 for 4,000 hours of parking.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ms Ritchie highlighted the irony of the situation: 'I was going to see a mortgage broker as I'm buying a property. I would need a mortgage to pay for that parking.'

Insisting to the Daily Mail that she didn't type in the wrong information, Ms Ritchie blamed the payment system and asked: 'How can someone even pay for 4000 hours of parking upfront?'

In a statement the council said: 'Unfortunately, the customer made an error in keying in her details and asked for over 4,000 hours of parking instead of 1 hour. The system always asks drivers if they want to authorise any payment before money is taken, and approval was given.'

'This does happen from time to time, although seldom for such large amounts', they added.

The company that deals with the parking fees told the council that the money has been refunded

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner