Fury over parking waiver

A window cleaner today hit out at parking enforcement officials in Shrewsbury after he was told he would have to pay a waiver, which could cost him £5 a day to prevent his van being targeted by wardens.

Kim Downer, of Baschurch, says he has been told by ParkRight bosses that if he wants to prevent his van from being targeted he must apply in advance for a waiver costing £5 a day or £40 for 10 days.

He has spent the last 30 years cleaning the windows of shops, offices and pubs in Shrewsbury town centre, using his van to carry heavy extendable ladders and other cleaning equipment.

Mr Downer said he had initially been issued a one-day temporary permission to park "in contravention of parking restrictions". But now he has been told he must pay £10 a day for a waiver or what amounts to a season ticket of £5 a day or £40 for 10 days.

A note given to him by a parking warden said: "If you regularly need a waiver for an appropriate activity in a limited waiting area, then you can apply in advance at a cost of £5 a day or £40 for 10 days."

Mr Downer said: "What is this town coming to? It's crazy having to pay this sort of money just to do my job."

A spokesman for Parkright said: "These are the fees he must pay under the waiver regulations. If Mr Downer is not happy he can make an official complaint and can take up the issue with his local councillor."