Multiple fines handed out for parking at former COVID jab parking area

Multiple Maidonians have been caught out by a fine for parking in an area that used to be designated for people coming for coronavirus jabs in the town centre.

People coming to the Town Halls’ Desborough Suite for jabs in the early days of the pandemic could park in the designated area next to the Grove Road car park.

But people heading there now are being caught out, since it is no longer for this use.

Several people who were there for 10-15 minutes just for their jab received an unexpected letter containing a £100 fine, reduced to £60 for prompt payment.

Visitors on Sunday observed six or seven cars making the same mistake at around the same time slot.

People commenting on social media platform Nextdoor raised concerns that this is an easy trap to fall into, given the historic use of the area as a car park for coronavirus jabs.

Given the closing of Broadway (Nicholsons) car park in the New Year and the pressure this has placed on parking in Maidenhead, drivers going for their jab have struggled to find places to park.

Drivers reported not being able to find spaces in Grove Road car park at the weekend.

Bisham resident Diane Large told the Advertiser that this car park was full when she visited with her husband.

Diane said the couple tried to move the car to the clocktower car park, in Bell Street, but found that the ticket machines were not working.

Another resident with a disability badge also got a fine for the mistake.

This comes amid strong concerns raised at an RBWM Disability Inclusion Forum last month that, with the closure of Broadway, there simply is not enough accessible parking in Maidenhead town centre.

The parking area where some residents have been fined recently is operated by Sorbon Estates, part of Shanly Group.

A spokesperson for the company told the Advertiser: “During a period of time between 2021 and 2022, we supported the NHS during the COVID vaccination roll-out by providing free licences for some designated spaces in the aforementioned car park.

“This contract came to an end at the end of 2022 and was not renewed.

“The designated spaces within the car park have been operating under the original guidelines since January 1, 2023.

“The car park has private parking signage on site.”