Last updated 11:37, Tuesday, 13 May 2008

I WAS appalled to read your report of the circumstances under which Miss Raine received a penalty notice (News & Star, May 3).

Fine: Jean Raine, 82, who was given a parking ticket by a traffic warden while asleep in her car

Surely, I thought, the council would not only cancel the charge but also admonish the traffic warden for his behaviour.

Instead, South Lakeland Council not only endorsed the warden’s action but also reiterated the charge that “the parking disc should be clearly and correctly displayed at all times”.

I hope that the independent tribunal reverses the council’s decision and tells the council that they should employ wardens who are capable of exercising common sense and compassion in such cases.

The national press already regard Cumbria as a laughing stock over the issue of the “open bin”. I wonder what they will make of this?

Fortunately, things seem to be better in the north of the county.

I spoke to a traffic warden at the Sands car park, fully prepared to argue the issue with him.

I was relieved to hear that they would have knocked on the old lady’s window and pointed out her mistake. Thank God for sanity !

In conclusion, I would like to ask why there is no similar requirement for us “able bodied” drivers to display our parking discs correctly.

If you examine the Cumbria County Council Parking Disc (BS6571.7 “Parking Discs”) you will see what I mean.

And the fact remains, that no matter how haphazardly we deposit our parking discs on the fascia, we don’t get tickets.

JEFFREY HANDLEY

Glasgow Road

Gretna