Elderly woman contests £100 parking fine at Belfast Airport

An elderly woman is challenging Belfast City Airport and a parking company over a £100 fine. June Bowers, 81, from Monkstown, received the fine despite not being the driver on the day in question. The incident occurred on February 8 when the driver went to the airport to pick up passengers arriving for a funeral. According to Mrs. Bowers' husband, Joe, the driver mistakenly parked in the wrong area, leading to confusion about where to park. He criticized the airport’s confusing signage and claimed it was unfair to impose such a penalty. Joe Bowers described the parking company's actions as "intimidating" and said they filed two appeals that were both rejected. He raised concerns regarding how the company obtained Mrs. Bowers' details from the DVLA and questioned the legitimacy of the fine. In a letter to the parking company, Mrs. Bowers explained that stopping briefly to read the signs did not obstruct other drivers. She argued the signage at the airport is difficult to interpret and requested the penalty be canceled due to her health condition, stating it has caused her considerable stress. A spokesperson for Belfast City Airport commented that stopping in 'no stop zones' can be dangerous, as it obstructs other vehicles and emergency access. They confirmed they are reviewing the case with Vehicle Control Services.