A WHEELCHAIR-bound man who parked in a disabled bay in Northwich has landed a £75 fine.

Steven Fisher, from Kingsmead, was given a ticket at Victoria Club car park in Northwich last week after a council inspector said the clock, showing how long he had been parked, was not visible on his Blue Badge.

The 38-year-old was ticketed under the civil parking enforcement, run by Cheshire West and Chester Council, having earlier recieved a warning notice at Barons Quay in December.

“It puts me off coming to town,” said Mr Fisher. “I’m permanently in a wheel chair and can’t walk, most of the time it’s hard to find a disabled space to park anyway.

“This time when I spotted an open parking space I thought great, but I still got a ticket! I was there for an hour and a half; my Blue Badge is permanently stuck on the dashboard as I can’t reach it.

“The ticket said they couldn’t see the Blue Badge, but I’m in a wheel chair and I can see it from the road.”

The fine is reduced to £35 if paid within 28 days. Mr Fisher challenged his ticket online after questioning the warden on site.

He added: “It’s just unnecessary hassle. Every time I have to send an email and explain why I was parked there and that I do have a Blue Badge – I’m fed up of doing it.”

However, the Council is urging Blue Badge holders to make sure the clock is clearly visible to help them avoid receiving a fine.

A Cheshire West and Chester Council spokesman said: “A Penalty Charge Notice was issued because the time clock was not displayed alongside the Blue Badge.

“The booklet issued with all Blue Badges makes it clear that the clock must be clearly on view and display the time of arrival in order for a Blue Badge to be valid.

“We would take this opportunity to remind all Blue Badge holders of this requirement. If you know someone who uses a Blue Badge, please check that they are aware.”