Bexleyheath driver slams fine for stopping inside yellow box

Frank Thomson was fined by Bexley Parking Services after stopping in the junction area on Crook Log Road in October 2021.

The 39-year-old told the News Shopper that he was "left with no choice" but to stop in the junction area as another car pulled out from Upton Road while he was driving over the box.

Frank was then slapped with a £204 fine in December 2021 after he claimed he didn't receive the first fine of £60 through the post.

Yellow Junction box on Crook Log Road

He says he now has to pay more money for "an offense someone else committed."

Bexley Council said it does not comment on individual penalty charges when the case is live.

Frank said: “I wasn’t even in the area for a long time, maximum seven to eight seconds.

“If I was in there for a stupid amount of time or done something at my own fault then it’s fair enough and I'll pay the fine.

“But I’m having to pay for someone else’s mistakes.”

He then called Bexley Council to explain the situation but felt that he was getting "ignored" after not being able to talk to a "real human being" - where he says he was referred to an automated robot.

Frank explained it was "frustrating" when voicing his opinion and he was only trying to “fight for what is right” over a mistake he claims was caused by someone else.

He added: “They (Bexley Parking Services) were just messing me about after trying to speak to them and get them to hear what I'm trying to explain.

“I hated not being able to talk to someone who can be related to me on a human level and understand what I'm trying to explain.

"I was made to talk to an automated robot, so I had to communicate via email which even made the process longer.”

Upton Road (Google Maps)

Frank said after making "no progress" with Bexley Council, he ended up paying the £204 fine as he did not want the fine to increase further.

He said he still believes that he was in the right and should have not "paid for a mistake caused by someone else."

He now wants Bexley Parking Services to convert the fine to its original amount of £60 and refund him the difference he paid.

Frank also wants to warn other drivers to be careful while crossing the junction box on Crook Log Road.

A spokesperson for Bexley Council said: "Frank Thomson can view the photographic and video evidence we relied on using the link in the notice that was sent to them.

"We do not comment on individual penalty charges when the case is live.

"Any documents or responses that are sent to motorists give details of the next available options in the statutory process.

"It is up to the motorist to state why they believe a PCN should be cancelled.

"This could include a claim that the charge is ​incorrect, and they are given several opportunities to state their case."

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletters to get updates sent straight to your inbox.