An elderly couple have told of their stress and anxiety six months into fighting a parking fine dispute.
Blue badge holder Hannah Hall, from Kilsyth, received the penalty from private parking company G24 after parking near The Red Triangle in Cumbernauld on Friday, July 7 last year.
She and partner Duncan have been contesting the fee since then because they claim the 75-year-old's blue badge was displayed despite the camera failing to pick up on it.
Mt Hall said: “This was a sunny day and my wife puts her badge on the sun visor on the driver’s side. The sunlight reflected on the window and the camera couldn’t see the badge.
“I took photographs of the car at our house, showing them clearly where the badge is situated. It’s always there, we never remove it.
“The company then e-mailed me back to say that they were sticking by their guns and were refusing to accept my appeal.
“I have also had countless letters from a debt recovery company, looking for the fine, which went from £60 up to £170."
Throughout the battle, the couple refused to pay and they say G24 has continued to demand the money.
The pair say the issue has caused their mental wellbeing to decline.
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The 70-year-old man said: “Look at the stress we have been through here, it’s totally unnecessary.
“It’s unbelievable. What do I do to prove that we are innocent in this matter?
“I am at my wits end with it.
“I’m just recently out of hospital after having a heart operation, we are not young people.
“This is the type of stress and anxiety that we do not wish to have at this time of our lives."
In December, the debt collectors informed Hannah and Duncan that the matter would be passed on to a solicitor but they continue to emphasise their innocence.
He added: “It’s a matter of principle, we have a blue badge.
“Just because the camera that took the picture did not see it, that is not our fault."
G24 was repeatedly approached for comment but did not reply.
In a letter, the firm said: "A contractual parking charge has been issued as the motorist was parked in a disabled bay without displaying a valid disabled badge.
"There are sufficient signs at the entrance to and in prominent locations throughout the car park displaying the terms and conditions."
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