Dublin City Council and parking sign confusion for couple with new-born baby

Background

On a Saturday in February 2012 a couple attended the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin with their newborn baby for tests. As there was no available parking on Holles Street, they parked at the top of Grattan Street, which is near Holles Street. They tried to pay for parking at what they said was the only meter on Grattan Street but the meter rejected their coins. The notice on the meter said that paid parking was “Mon-Fri”. However, there was a sign on Grattan Street that said paid parking applied “Mon-Sat”. The couple did not pay and assumed that the sign on the meter was correct as this was where you are expected to pay.

When they returned to their car they discovered it had been clamped. They paid the fine to have the clamp released as they wanted to get home with their new-born baby. They said that when the Council official came to release the clamp he checked the meter and said that it was faulty, that he would log the fault and he advised them to appeal the fine. The complainants appealed but their appeal was refused. They were unhappy with the Council’s decision and complained to my Office.

Examination

The Council stated that following receipt of the Ombudsman’s letter the matter was referred to the independent Parking Appeals Officer for a further examination of the case. The Appeals Officer recommended a refund of the clamp release fee.

Outcome

The Council refunded the charge to the couple and apologised for the inconvenience that they experienced on this occasion. According to the Council, the information plate on the pay and display parking meter located on Grattan Street was incorrect and has since been changed to correspond with the signage on the street.