‘Dash for cash’ has driven me away

Following my recent fine (and subsequent appeal) for parking on Sunday whilst attending Church Mass at St John’s Parish Church in Horsham, I was wholly disappointed that the appeal did not stand. The fine has been paid within the 14 days allocated time period for the reduced charge.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Jan 2013, 15:39 BST

I can’t help but thinking that Horsham District Council (HDC) is profiteering from parking penalties in this way. The bay that I was parked in is in continual use and I have used this bay (on Sundays mornings only for seven years) as do many other whilst attending church.

The simple question arises: why would HDC create a two-car parking bay that is prohibited to park, load or settle down at any time if not to ‘encourage’ motorists to park so that fines can be collected?

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I also see an unfair practice of this rule, since those parking in the Causeway on a Sunday (double yellow lines) are not fined whilst attending Sunday mass at St Mary’s – neither do I wish them to be.

As a form of protest, I will be ‘voting with my feet’ and will now actively avoid any shopping in Horsham town centre, opting instead for shopping out of town and the Internet.

In addition, I will be looking to discourage others from ‘Horsham shopping’ and relating my experiences to them where possible.

I hope that HDC realises that its ‘dash for cash’ on parking fees and fines is costing money to traders and businesses in Horsham, at a time when High Street businesses are slowly losing business.

JOSEPH AGUILAR

Three Acres, Horsham

Related topics:Horsham District Councilinternet