ANGRY drivers are refusing to pay parking tickets arguing Barnet Council’s ticket machines and wardens are “getting it all wrong”.

Hanne Simon of Corringway, Golders Green, landed a fine after several unsuccessful attempts to pay for a ticket in Temple Fortune Lane.

Ms Simon said: “The pay-box was broken so I called to pay using my card – then it said they didn’t have my account number.

“I went about giving my card number when all of a sudden it just cut me off.

“I’d tried twice, and couldn’t pay with coins because the machine wouldn’t take them. It’s virtually impossible to pay.”

On arriving home, Ms Simon called the council and after waiting 20 minutes on the line, was told to send an email contesting the charge.

But Michael Cheung, from the council’s parking service, replied: “Although I appreciate that you may have experienced faults with the Pay and Display machines, you are not permitted to park without paying the relevant charge.

“A decision has been taken by the Council that Penalty Charge Notices will be issued to vehicles who fail to pay for parking given the roll out of the cashless system in addition to the existing pay by cash option across the Borough.”

Ms Simon said: “I wanted to pay – I just couldn’t. It’s a disgrace.”

Simon Mansell, 42, of Elmfield Road in Potters Bar is furious after receiving a penalty notice in High Barnet last Friday, despite having successfully paid for a parking ticket.

He said: “I paid for parking from 11.18am to 11.48am, and left the space with a few minutes to spare at 11.45am. But, a parking officer said he ‘observed’ my car between 11.08am and 11.22am after which he gave me a ticket – they’re getting it all wrong.

“The council are thieving from me. Now I’ve got to spend my time writing an email to contest something that should never have happened. I’m absolutely livid.

Times – Series