DISABLED driver Susan Lee has turned her back on Ravenhead Retail Park over a parking ticket fine.

The Newton-le-Willows woman says she has switched her allegiance because of a blue badge problem with Leeds based UKCPS, which monitors use of the St Helens shopping centre car park.

She is in dispute with UKCPS, after being handed a parking ticket and threatened with a £100 fine.

Mrs Lee explained: “On March 20, after spending less than one hour on Ravenhead retail park, I found a parking ticket on my car.

“My blue badge is always displayed on the dash, but I must have caught it and flipped it closed, as I got out of the car.

“I then learned the car park is owned by a private company.”

She sent copies of the parking ticket and her blue badge credentials, appealed against the ticket issue and questioned the fact that it had been issued for parking beyond a stipulated time limit.

An angry Mrs Lee said: “They replied that the fine will stand but they would reduce it to £40, but if it was not paid within 14 days £100 is payable.

“This is harassment. The car park is not pay and display, so how can they legally demand money from me?

“I now go to Warrington Golden Square, where I am treated with respect by friendly attendants who understand the needs of disabled shoppers and families with young children.”

A spokesman for UKCPS told the Star: “Mrs Lee was issued with a ticket for parking in a disabled bay with no badge displayed.

“We have seen a copy of her blue badge and, as a gesture of goodwill, have reduced the payment to £40 to cover costs. She can still appeal independently to POPL A (Parking on Private Land Appeals).”