A parking warden has shared a little-known "10 minute rule" which could potentially get you out of a parking ticket.
Stacey, 33, from Canning Town, East London, is a parking enforcement officer - more commonly known as a "traffic warden" - and usually covers the area of Stratford. Stacey's profession does not have the best reputation amongst the British public and many have experienced discovering the infamous plastic yellow notice tucked under the windscreen wiper.
The cost of a parking fine varies depending on where you live, especially when it comes to parking charge notices issued by private parking companies. Some notices could set you back £50 whilst others can reach as high as £160 in London. Last year saw a record number of £962million worth of fines issued by local councils with it expected to top £1billion this year. Stacey works for a private firm which covers privately controlled streets and car parks.
However, in an interview with the Daily Mail, Stacey shared a little known rule of the industry. According to Stacey, from the point she has taken the first picture, she is not allowed to issue a fine until 10 minutes have passed. This grace period allows the driver to either leave or pay for the correct ticket - avoiding the unwanted fine.
However, Stacey explained that if you are an hour late or parked on a double line, do should not expect such lenience. Alongside this, some private operators start the ten-minute grace period the moment the officer has first across the vehicle. This means you have a little less time to avoid the fine. This rule falls under the new Code of Practice adopted by members of the International Parking Community, the British Parking Association, and councils.
According to Stacey, if you arrive and the parking warden has issued the ticket, but not yet presented it, you do still have a chance. Stacey said you can plead your case, but you should do so politely as it is at the discretion of the operator as to whether they present you the fine. However, excuses rarely save you but if you are forced to stop somewhere with parking restrictions due to a medical emergency, you should be safe from fines, she added.
If you are in an emergency, Stacey advises that you should try and leave a note on the windscreen to explain the situation. Although this offers no guarantee that you will not get a ticket. If you get a fine, Stacey says you can appeal it but you should provide proof of the medical emergency. If you get a fine in any other circumstances which you believe isn't warranted, then you should also appeal and include any mitigating circumstances. Stacey says this can include the name of the warden.