26-05-2025
I'm an ex-parking officer – I've issued thousands of tickets but I always let drivers off the hook for four reasons
SEEING a big yellow sticker on your window screen as you approach your parked car fills every motorist with dread.
But every so often, a stroke of luck means you might get away with paying the fine after all - especially if you bump into a friendly parking officer like Martin Holloway who spent over a decade issuing tickets across UK streets.
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Many drivers believe their only hope of avoiding a hefty fine is to find some sort of complicated legal loophole.
However, charm, humour, and the occasional snack could make all the difference, according to the retired meter attendant.
Speaking to Sun Motors via Plate Express, Martin said: 'I've printed more tickets than I can count, but I've also walked away from plenty.
'If someone was respectful, had a bit of wit, or just seemed unlucky – I'd sometimes give them a pass.'
One particularly memorable instance he recounts involved a driver rushing over just as he was inspecting his car.
'He said, 'Look, don't fine me and I'll grab you lunch.
'I thought he was joking – but five minutes later, he came back with a chicken burger, fries, and a drink.
'I let him off. He was over the time limit, sure, but not by much. I appreciated the gesture.'
But Martin, 59, says he certainly wasn't the first officer to bend the rules, and won't be the last.
'We all had our days. Sometimes you just didn't feel like ruining someone's afternoon over a couple of minutes.
'If they were decent and not taking the mick, I'd move on.'
Major parking change for ALL drivers in England
Martin also said he would give drivers a chance to buy a valid ticket on the spot rather than issuing a fine if they were kind and honest.
'If they were reasonable, I'd say, 'Look, go buy a ticket now and I'll pretend I didn't see anything.'
'That way, they paid – but avoided the big fine. I'd much rather that than slapping someone with a penalty for something they clearly didn't mean to do.'
Tricks of the trade
Naturally, not every officer will be quite as forgiving as Martin, and once a fine is issued, drivers should act quickly and smartly to resolve the matter.
That includes paying promptly, which helps to avoid added fees.
Most areas offer a 50 per cent discount if the fine is paid within 14 days, but missing that can see the fine doubled.
One simple trick is to always take a photo when parking, including a snap of the dashboard ticket, nearby signs and anything unusual.
If an appeal is needed later on, these images could come in handy.
GIFT OF THE GAB
Martin, who spent many years as a parking officer before retiring, says certain behaviours can make the difference between receiving a ticket – or having it waived.
He said: 'You can have all the rules in the world, but after ten years of doing the job, you get a feel for people. Some genuinely made mistakes.
'Others were just chancers – and you could spot them a mile off.'
Be friendly, not aggressive - 'If someone marched over shouting, I didn't hesitate. But if they were nice? I'd pause.'
Catch them early - 'If I hadn't printed the ticket yet, it was fair game. Timing really mattered.'
Honesty wins - 'Telling me your alarm didn't go off beats a made-up emergency. We've heard every excuse - believable ones worked best.'
A small gesture goes a long way - 'You don't need to offer lunch, but even offering a coffee or saying thanks made an impression. It's just human decency.'
When it comes to challenging a fine, it's important to make sure everything you do is fair and does not come from emotion.
That means, if you think the fine is wrong, appeal with facts and photos in a calm, evidence-based challenge – instead of an angry, insult-laden rant.
And, as we've learned, a smile, good timing, or simple human connection could make the difference when it comes to dodging a fine – proving that much of it comes down to attitude instead of luck.
But if it doesn't go your way, being prepared and proactive is always your best defence.
Parking changes
A major change has recently been announced in how drivers pay for parking in England, with the introduction of the National Parking Platform designed to simplify the process for millions.
Supported by Labour, this "one app fits all" system will allow motorists to pay for parking through a single app - eliminating the need to download multiple apps for different operators.
The platform, developed by the British Parking Association and industry leaders like RingGo and JustPark, aims to provide clarity and flexibility for drivers, and will also reduce confusion and the risk of fines.
It will connect participating car parks to a shared system, enabling payments through any approved app.
Already rolled out in 10 local authorities, the platform will eventually expand nationwide - operating on a not-for-profit basis with government oversight.
The initiative also addresses issues with private parking firms, including a rule change requiring payment before leaving car parks using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
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