A PENSIONER has been slapped with a hefty fine for parking in a bus stop for five minutes while he carried out a good deed.

Jim Burmby, 69, volunteers twice a week for charities C360 and St Helena Hospice by driving vulnerable adults to hospital appointments, community groups or to see members of their family.

But earlier this month, Mr Burmby, of Morley Road, Tiptree, received a fine after he stopped his Toyota on a bus stop in Colchester High Street.

He had been picking up two elderly women so he could take them home as part of his volunteering role.

The initial fine amounted to £70 but Mr Burmby said he mistakenly believed that paying half the charge within two weeks of receiving the ticket would be the end of the matter.

 

072 Passing the Town Hall on Colchester High Street.

072 Passing the Town Hall on Colchester High Street.

 

This was not the case, however, and the volunteer was then asked to pay a further £70 for his troubles on top of the £35 he had already paid.

He said: “I just feel a bit aggrieved.

“I was there for a minute or two and the images sent through [from North Essex Parking Partnership] show two elderly people with walking sticks.

“I paid the £35 immediately thinking I wasn’t going to have to pay the £70, and I sent off an appeal saying I was driving on behalf of two charities.”

Mr Burmby added it was an error he wouldn’t repeat.

“I won’t do it again and it was a genuine mistake – it was my car and I admit it was me,” he said.

“I was driving around as a service engineer for 20 years and this role was a good fit but this won’t stop me volunteering.

“It’s made me more determined to volunteer and it’s certainly made me more careful,” he said.

He added he would not ask the charity to foot the bill.

“I don’t expect to get the money back, but it does get under one’s skin, doesn’t it,” he said.

A North Essex Parking Partnership spokesperson said: “If the motorist wishes to discuss the matter further, we encourage him to contact NEPP directly, so we can investigate and determine payment of any outstanding amount.”