I WAS interested to read of the MP for Twickenham, Mr Cable, describing Hounslow Council's behaviour in towing away the car of an elderly hospital visitor as 'cruel and disproportionate, and that the parking department has a 'degree of zealotry way above the norm'.
Strong words from a politician, but compared to the feelings of many in the borough, including myself, who have been on the receiving end of that zealotry, almost a tribute.
My father died at Christmas. His cremation was in early January. On that day, the mourners gathered at my parents' house in Osterley.
There were six or seven cars parked on the grass, two hearses outside, and people coming and going. In short, it was obvious there was a funeral going on.
The last person to arrive parked behind the hearses, in an unmarked bay, and off we went. When we returned, he had a ticket. The ticket was timed five or six minutes before we left for the crematorium! I am not sure what kind of person would do that, but he/she then waited till everyone had gone and took a photo of the supposedly offending vehicle. We know that to be a fact because the hearses are not in the photo!
Anyway, the gentleman concerned was so incensed, he decided to appeal. Turned down!
So we went to an arbitrator last week and he dismissed the fine. The council's evidence was the the picture of the car, and a picture of a 'residents only' sign.
The 'residents only' sign, purporting to relate to the so-called offence, was in fact on a bay further along the road on another marked bay.
There is no suggestion it is illegal to park in the bay where the ticket was issued. Sharp practice at the very least.
Two things from this episode. Firstly, I was sickened by the sheer spite and ruthlessness of whoever did this. However, hardly anyone to whom I related the story seemed in the least bit surprised. Nearly all of them had similar stories to tell.
This really is a despicable and hated organisation. Do they not realise they are funded by the very people they seem so keen to persecute?
Secondly, yes, we got the fine rescinded, but there appears to be no downside for the council. No rebuke, no costs - they didn't even send anyone to the hearing, just the misleading photos, nobody to suggest they operate in a more caring, common sense manner. They appear to be unaccountable and free to carry on like the nasty little private army they are at the moment.
Stephen Wilkinson via e-mail
