A pensioner claims he is prepared to go to court rather than pay a "heartless" parking ticket he received while getting his Covid jab.
Keith Perry, who struggles to walk, was left in a tight spot when all the disabled bays were taken near his local vaccination centre.
The 78-year-old has a disabled blue badge but was forced to find alternative parking to attend his appointment.
After deciding to park on a street with double yellow lines, he was handed a £35 parking fine which has since tripled to £105.
The penalty was dished out six months ago, on April 29, but Mr Perry said it is "ridiculous" and has been fighting the fine ever since.
It is the first fine the driver has received in 60 years of driving.
"The whole decision to chase me for the money is ridiculous and heartless," he told the Lancashire Telegraph.
"I am going to carry on fighting this and refuse to pay this. They are wasting their time with this.
"The process has caused me so much stress and anxiety. The ticket should be rescinded and it is a complete waste of time and resources. I will go to court if I have to."
Mr Perry explained how he had tried to find a blue badge space in Blackburn town centre, Lancashire, but everywhere was taken.
"I needed to get to my appointment and decided to park in Cardwell Place on double yellow lines. It meant I could make my way to get the Covid jab. Even this was with great difficulty," he said.
The Government states on its website that "badge holders may park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours" but there may be restrictions in loading areas.
But Mr Perry insists that while he needed somewhere closeby, he did not park in a loading bay.
His fine would have £35 fine if paid within 14 days and then increased to £70. But six months later, he has now been asked to pay £105 – triple the original fee.
Mr Perry has received a number of letters and correspondence from the council and his local MP Kate Hollern who has been looking into the case for him.
In correspondence seen by the Lancashire Telegraph, Mr Perry is told by the council that it "had reason to believe your vehicle was parked in contravention of Code 2 – parked or loading/unloading in a restricted street" where restrictions are in force.
The sign explains that there was a large entry sign on the street that states "restricted parking zone at any time" with "no loading at any time."
It further explains that the restriction prohibits parking at any time, including loading or unloading outside of marked bays.
The letter added: "We must inform you that a blue badge does not entitle the holder in no waiting, no restriction indicated by signage only."
Mr Perry was told his vehicle was somewhat restricting access to a main bus route.
But the pensioner said there is "ample space" for a bus to get through and that he was not aware of any large signs displayed on the road.
The Mirror Online has contacted Blackburn with Darwen Council for comment.
