A mother has condemned the RingGo parking system, describing it as “not fit for purpose,” after receiving a penalty ticket despite using the company’s phone line to make a payment.
Judith Maskell had pre-booked tickets for the Spa Valley Railway as a treat for her son and his friend, both of whom are disabled, when she parked at Old Coach Park in Tunbridge Wells. She attempted to log into her RingGo app, but after recently changing her mobile number and with a poor signal in the car park on Linden Park Road, she decided to call the number displayed on the board instead. Upon calling, the virtual operator recognised her number plate and asked how long she wished to park.
After providing the last three digits of her payment card, the transaction was completed and the funds were deducted from her account. She paid £5.80 for 12 hours of parking.
However, upon returning to her car, she discovered a parking ticket. The 68-year-old from Hallford Way, Dartford, said: “I was in a state of shock – I didn’t know what to do.” She attempted to contact RingGo to find out why she had received a fine but was unable to get through.
After deciding to appeal, Judith received a letter from Tunbridge Wells Council explaining that the penalty ticket would not be cancelled. The letter stated that Judith had made “a mistake with the location details” when paying over the phone.
As a result, the council asserted that she had paid for parking at Westgate Surface Car Park in Dartford, rather than at Coach Park in Linden Park Road.
Judith remarked: “I tried my very best and I paid for parking, but they claimed the issue was due to my last registered parking location, and not the car park in Tunbridge Wells.”
“I paid for parking over the phone to RingGo in good faith, after my vehicle’s registration was provided.
“There is nothing anywhere that indicated my last parking location would be used.
“One naturally assumes that your car will be paid for in the car park you are currently in.” The penalty notice, which was initially £25, increased to £50 after Judith refused to pay.
She stated: “The system is not fit for purpose – I’m fairly computer savvy, and it even stumped me. I believe this needs to be addressed.
“The only way to pay in that car park is through RingGo, and I have never had a problem before.” Now, the mother of two is in dispute with RingGo, which claims she “opted” for the last parking location, a statement she firmly denies.
“I’ve never been in trouble before; I’m 62 years old, and I have a lot going on at the moment. It’s just ridiculous, and I feel like they are bullying me or trying to force people to pay.
“This entire situation has added to an enormous amount of stress we are already experiencing.”
A virtual traffic penalty tribunal hearing is now scheduled for November 7, initiated by the council against Judith.
Tunbridge Wells Council declined to comment due to the ongoing appeals process.
RingGo has been approached for a response.
