Bristol Airport visitor disputes £100 fine for brief stop

In May 2024, Lorna Howarth faced a £100 fine from VCS after stopping her vehicle for 56 seconds at Bristol Airport to seek directions. She was picking up a friend and encountered new signage directing her to a multi-storey car park. In her attempt to clarify where to park, she stopped her car and approached a staff member for help. After receiving the fine, she provided proof of having paid £6 for parking in a short stay car park for 20 minutes. Bristol Airport later decided to cancel the fine as a gesture of goodwill, acknowledging that Howarth was genuinely trying to find the correct parking area. A spokesperson for the airport emphasized the importance of following the signage and reminded customers to check their website for parking information. Legal expert Gary Rycroft commented on the situation, highlighting the need for airports to enforce their regulations fairly. He questioned whether the fine was issued by an authorized entity and whether the airport's bylaws were appropriately applied in this case. The incident raises broader concerns about the enforcement of parking regulations at airports and the potential for fines to be issued in situations where drivers are genuinely seeking assistance. The cancellation of the fine reflects an understanding of the circumstances surrounding Howarth's actions.