A parking row has engulfed a man after he was slapped with a whopping £250 fine over a £2.70 hospital parking ticket.
Gordon Clark has insisted that he "won't back down" from the situation "as a matter of principle".
Accompanied by his wife, Clark dropped into QE hospital in Gateshead in August 2022 to visit a friend, parking a Renault Captur for just over an hour.
When the man tried to pay the initial parking ticket, the machine flashed up with a message reading: "No payment required."
Gordon Clark visited a friend in hospital and received a parking fine two weeks later
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Just a fortnight later, a fixed penalty notice was bestowed upon the man for around £40 from the private company which oversees the hospital's parking, ParkingEye.
"I checked the registration with my wife and I inputted the number again and received the same message," Clark told the Daily Mail.
"We left the car park and returned home only to receive a parking charge notice through the post two weeks later.
"I have disputed this with ParkingEye however, their blind faith in the infallibility of their equipment has kept them pursuing me since, questioning my honesty and integrity. My wife and I are both retired and have always paid our dues."
The motorist, 72, explained that he was receiving treatment for chemotherapy, while his wife is in the recovery process after major surgery.
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Clark has also confirmed that he has written to the private management firm to demand an explanation from their supplier as to how the event played out as it did - both for him and other users of the car park who have also been afflicted with the same fine.
However, the motorist lamented that he has "never" received a response.
He explained: "I have never received a response but have instead received many letters stating they maintain their position, followed by threatening letters from a third-party debt collection agency and a court letter for over £250 for a less than £3 parking fee."
He claimed that the agency's language was becoming increasingly "threatening", suggesting that "most people have caved" since "they can't be bothered with the hassle".
Adding that he was "absolutely incensed", he said: "As far as we were concerned, there was no charge. As a matter of principle, I do not want to pay it."
A spokesman for Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust said: "While we do not have the full details of Mr Clark's case and so cannot comment on his situation, we are sorry for any distress caused by this issue.
"ParkingEye is an independent contractor which manages the car parking payment and penalty notice system on our behalf.
The motorist lamented that has "never" received a response from the private car parking company despite reaching out
Google Street View
"If patients or visitors speak to us about parking issues, we will always try to assist, particularly where people have had problems with the payment system or exemptions.
"Although Gateshead Health is not involved in the operational management or the enforcement of ParkingEye's policies, nor in the issuance of fines, we will offer advice and assistance where possible."
A ParkingEye spokesman said: “ParkingEye has partnered with QE Hospital in Gateshead since 2022 to significantly improve how its car parks operate.
“During this time there has been investment in modern consumer-facing ANPR systems which has enhanced accessibility and made parking at the hospital easier and safer for staff, patients and visitors. The system is designed to ensure the efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital car park.
“QE Hospital car park in Gateshead features 25 prominent and highly-visible signs that provide information on how to use the car park responsibly. Parking on the site is free up to 15 minutes and tariffs apply thereafter, which the motorist needs to pay before leaving the car park.
“The motorist in question stayed at the car park for 1h and 13 minutes, overstaying the free period and not making a payment for their stay, which resulted in him receiving a parking charge.
“On the day of the event, our data shows that the system and various payment methods were operating effectively and that the car park was used successfully by hundreds of motorists.
“However, we have cancelled the PCN as a gesture of goodwill and will write to the motorist to advise.”
GB News has approached Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust for comment.
