Army Veteran Hit with £120 Fine After Pulling Over During Anxiety Attack
A former army reservist has been handed a hefty £120 parking charge after pulling into an Aldi car park to cope with a debilitating anxiety attack. Charlie Wheeldon, 44, from Portsmouth, was driving when he began experiencing severe symptoms, prompting him to seek safety in the nearby Aldi parking area, which is managed by the firm Parkingeye.
Medical Emergency Ignored by Parking Firm
Charlie remained in his vehicle for under 45 minutes until he felt well enough to continue his journey. However, days later, he received an email notification of a £120 penalty, with an offer to reduce it to £70 if paid within 48 hours. He immediately contacted Parkingeye to explain the medical emergency, but the company refused to cancel the fine.
"At first, I didn't panic, as I had an excuse. I wasn't taking the p*ss - I wasn't even there for that long," Charlie stated. "With it being a medical reason, I thought they would say on this occasion they would drop the fine. They said they didn't accept my argument, and I was free to escalate the situation or pay up."
History of Hospitalisations Due to Anxiety
Charlie has a documented history of anxiety attacks, having been hospitalised on two separate occasions in the past after similar episodes while driving. He described the telltale signs that forced him to pull over: shaking, pins and needles, and a loss of control.
"On two separate occasions, I have been hospitalised after an anxiety attack," he explained. "When it happens, you have to pull over where you can at the first opportunity you get. It isn't common enough for me not to drive, but when it does happen, I have to pull over to safety."
Ombudsman Support Fails to Resolve Issue
In an effort to contest the unfair charge, Charlie approached an independent ombudsman, who reportedly acknowledged his medical situation and agreed he should not have to pay the fine. Despite this, Parkingeye continues to demand payment, leaving Charlie frustrated and outraged.
"They are exploiting sick, vulnerable people and making money out of it," he commented. "I am disgusted by what has happened, disgusted by the fact that these people can exploit disabled and long-term ill people and use loopholes in the system. I am reasonable able bodied, I have to stand up and make a fuss."
Firm Remains Silent on the Matter
Parkingeye has not responded to requests for comment regarding this incident, and Aldi has also been contacted for a statement. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of individuals with medical conditions in private car parks, raising questions about compassion and fairness in enforcement practices.
Charlie's experience underscores the challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities, as he continues to fight the penalty while advocating for greater awareness and sensitivity in such situations.
