A Blackburn Rovers fan has accused the local council of running a "scam" after being fined for following matchday traffic signs at Ewood Park.
Nicholas Hatch, a lifelong supporter of the club, received a fixed penalty notice for using a bus lane despite following official signage directing traffic after a match.
"It is just a scam, it is wrong, it is not just about the money. It is morally wrong and I think people need to know," said Hatch.
Hatch received the fine while working as a chef at the club when he followed a sign off Bolton Road redirecting traffic past McDonald's.
Anyone leaving Ewood Park early remains at risk of receiving a fine
Getty
"Generally when I worked there I was out before the crowd comes out. I am 15 minutes ahead so it was never an issue," he explained.
"I must have been working late and the sign was up and I had no reason to dismiss it, it just told me to use the bus lane."
The sign had appeared multiple times, according to Hatch, who photographed it to support his appeal.
Blackburn with Darwen Council stated that the temporary bus lane suspension only operates for 90 minutes following the final whistle.
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Anyone leaving Ewood Park early remains at risk of receiving a fine, despite the sign giving no indication of specific timings.
Bus lane violations in the town carry a £70 penalty, which is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
Drivers can appeal these fines if they can provide supporting evidence to the council.
Hatch expressed frustration after his appeal was rejected by the council.
"I have been totally blanked. I have only received a standard email stating that it has been finalised and been paid and there is nothing I can do," he said.
A generic image of a parking fineGETTYHe attempted to contest the fine using his photograph of the sign, but was unsuccessful.
"They said it was hyperbole so I had to pay, and I would rather pay £35 than £70," Hatch added.
Martin Eden, Strategic Director of Environment and Communities at the council, explained the system has been in place since 2016 to ease post-match congestion.
"The temporary suspension runs for 90 minutes only from the final whistle, and members of our highways team are on site with traffic cones and diversion signs during this time," he said.
"Outside of this timeframe, the bus lane is fully operational and any drivers who use the bus lane will be issued with a penalty charge notice."
