‘I’ve been fined six times for parking outside my flat because my car is too long’

A Southampton man has racked up a string of for parking outside of his own flat – as he says the parking bay is not long enough for his car.

Tom Mulholland has been fined six times for parking outside his home as he says despite having designated parking, the bay is not long enough for his

The 29-year-old began receiving £35 fines in May, with Southampton City Council claiming his vehicle blocks the pavement.

However, he says that this claim is “highly disingenuous.”

Mulholland has argued that the council approved these parking spaces when the flats were converted from office blocks in 2017.

He believes it’s unfair to be fined for parking where he’s supposed to.

He said: “If the council were to say these spaces are too small, I’d understand, but they approved them in the first place – so perhaps they shouldn’t have been approved initially or otherwise it doesn’t seem right to get tickets for parking where you’re supposed to.

“I think it’s highly disingenuous of the council to argue that I’m obstructing the highway given the width of the pavement.

“There are double yellow lines in place on the other side of the pavement to enforce no parking in the road in order to prevent obstruction of the highway.”

He also disputes the council’s claim that his car obstructs the highway, noting the pavement’s width and the presence of double yellow lines to prevent road obstruction.

“It doesn’t seem right to get tickets for parking outside my own home,” he added.

He is now appealing the fines, which could total £660 if unsuccessful.

In response, Eamonn Keogh, a councillor at Southampton City Council, said that no waiting restrictions are in place on footways and verges to maintain access for pedestrians and mobility devices.

He added that vehicles overhanging the footway where restrictions apply would face enforcement.

Mr Mulholland has the option to escalate his appeal to the traffic penalty tribunal.