THE husband of a key worker has said he was left “disgusted” after she was hit with a parking fine after arriving for her Covid-19 vaccination.

Jason Lacey, from Layer-de-la-Haye, has complained to Car Parking Partnership after automatic number plate recognition cameras snapped his vehicle leaving Colchester Hospital.

His wife, who works as a physiotherapist in the nearby Mill Road Therapy Centre, was driving his car to a Covid-19 vaccination appointment.

As a key worker she was one of the first to get the jab and was entitled to free parking.

But a £35 parking fine was later delivered to the couple’s home address, with the threat of a £70 penalty if Jason did not pay up.

After writing to Car Parking Partnership to explain the situation, Jason says he received “no sympathy”.

“I was expecting it to be resolved quite quickly, once I sent a letter explaining the situation around getting the vaccine and the fact she parked in the designated area,” he said.

“Instead of an apology, I received another letter doubling down.

“It was a technical letter saying I had failed to disclose driver name under the relevant legislation.”

The fine was dropped after he went directly to the hospital.

“I called the switchboard, where someone said they had dealt with around 50 of these fines,” he said.

“The hospital waived the fine and I am not critical of the hospital at all.

Penalty - a key worker was hit with parking fine after arriving for her Covid-19 vaccination at Colchester Hospital

Penalty - a key worker was hit with parking fine after arriving for her Covid-19 vaccination at Colchester Hospital

“But Car Parking Partnership needs to be held to account for this disgusting behaviour of fining people who are trying to get the vaccine.

“How many people read these letters threatening a fine unless quick payment is made, and just pay up out of fear or to avoid the hassle?

“I feel like the firm makes it really hard to appeal, but when it comes to paying you can pay online, over the phone or via any number of easy methods.”

A Colchester Hospital spokesman said: “We are sorry this error was made and are pleased that it has been resolved.”

A spokesman for Car Parking Partnership added: “On this occasion the motorist parked within the staff section of the car park.

"However, following discussions between the NHS and ourselves, we have agreed to cancel the charge.”