Forum Topic

Parking ticket while getting vaccinated in Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre

I went to get vaccinated today to Brentford Fountain Leisure centre and I got a PCN.I was there for 5-10 mins, got my vaccination and got out. I think it's very unfortunate Hounslow Council set up a vaccination centre and issue a PCN to people who go and get their vaccination. I'm sure there are tens of people going there every day. Are they ticketing them?I thought parking was free to be honest.I'll challenge it. I was wondering if some other people have been in the same situation?

Utku Er ● 2017d49 Comments

We went there at the weekend and checked the signs in the car park, which made it clear that on weekdays you needed to pay and display.

Richard Greenhough ● 2017d

"I was there for 5-10 mins"When I got my jab at Chiswick Health Centre a few weeks back, they insisted eveyone wait 15 minutes after it was administered.

Richard Cathcart ● 2016d

Seems Mr Cathcart is okay with LBH profiteering during a pandemic. How odd.When I booked Chiswick wasn't an option. So I headed to Ealing where free parking was available. I remember thinking it seemed appropriate to have it on offer for those who can't afford it and those who aren't able to sort out pay-by-phone. I've had many occasions where pay-by-phone doesn't work. It always seems hit or miss and there is no other recourse to pay.As for waiting 15 minutes after the jab, there was no facility to do so. I expected a waiting room of sorts with people monitoring in case a situation developed. So I left.

David Lesniak ● 2016d

I got done at the Clayponds Centre. Free parking. Staff advised me to go and wait in the car for 10 minutes after the jab.There have been similar stories from other areas in which parking attendants appear to be targeting vaccine centre parking. With lots of people unfamiliar with parking in the area it will have been a real bonanza for them.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 2016d

Chiswick Health Centre are really on the ball.Well organised, friendly and jabbing up to five hundred a day which is a lot when you take into account the 15 minute observation time.I said to the doc it's a shame their not allowed to take gifts to which she replied " Oh yes yes we are. In fact I told my mother in law to take along a box of chocolates when she goes for hers"So, good folk of W4 be nice, take chocs.

Adrian Irving ● 2016d

You’re right,Richard. There are signs saying that you have to pay for parking. If the OP had asked any of the volunteers or staff there, they would have been told that parking was not free.

Stewart Jones ● 2016d

"Seems Mr Cathcart is okay with LBH profiteering during a pandemic. How odd."While I agree it would have been decent of LBH to waive the parking rules at BFLC to allow an hour's free parking (giving those having the injections time to queue and wait in their cars for the regulation 15 minutes afterwards), if they had suspended the weekday fees entirely then some people would have taken advantage and used it to park while they commuted elsewhere. LBH should now agree to waive PCNs for anyone who can prove they were there to be vaccinated at the time of the penalty. Perhaps our local councillors could raise it with the powers-that-be at Hounslow ?

Richard Greenhough ● 2016d

Why leave it to those being vaccinated to sort out?Surely an attendant can be on premise to sort this out by either providing a notice to post on the dashboard or engage with predatory wardens.Perhaps it isn't the local councillors problem. Perhaps it is yet another LBH cabinet failing. We've seen plenty over the past year. The latest? A delay in distributing grants meant to arrive 12th April. This after being told the previous delay was down to re-doing the system to expedite future payments. The very payment that was just delayed. LBH doesn't do decent. It is incapable.

David Lesniak ● 2016d

I can't understand how anyone nowadays expects to go to such a place and park for free,considering the efforts being made to discourage car use.Walking is free, as is use of a bus if you are over 60.I am making the assumption that those too infirm to walk or go by bus would have a blue badge,in which case parking is free.I walked the 2 miles to my jab centre and walked back,didn't once consider driving.Total time spent an hour and a half and I got some exercise in.

Keith Iddon ● 2016d

Some hospitals charge people with blue badges. Also the charge their staff to park as well.West Middlesex Hospital is one of them.The hall in Clayponds Gardens is rented from the LBOH by a chemist up the road, so it seems the Council are quids in , with charging for the hall and parking

Bernard Allen ● 2016d

Well that's not cricket either,Bernard but people with blue badges are still able to park in nearby streets for free,unless things have changed.

Keith Iddon ● 2016d

Sorry, I have reread my post and realise now it is a bit ambiguous. There is no charge for parking at Clayponds and when I said I got done I meant I received my jab.Keith you are truly an amazing person to walk to your jab and we all really admire you but some of us have to take time off work to receive the vaccine and can think of better ways to spend leisure time than two hours walking along busy roads.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 2016d

Jeremy, thank you so much for that.Perhaps you can explain how anyone who is obviously so married to using their car because their work schedule is so busy, could possibly think that they could park for free in car park with clearly marked parking charges?

Keith Iddon ● 2016d

Well done for you - I hope you are very thankful to have two fully operational legs and lungs.  Caducity hasn't afflicted you YET!.

Jennifer selig ● 2016d

Like Keith I don't see the big issue here, and it's the usual anti-LBH in everything they do posters which are letting their prejudices influence their views.The purpose of the OP's visit is irrelevant, it's pretty stupid of anyone in this day and age to park in a car park or on a street without checking whether there are any restrictions in place.  The OP admits that they didn't bother to check, entirely their fault, end of story.  Sometimes, deliberately or otherwise, you'd get away with it, other times you'll get ticketed.You pay your money (or in this case you don't pay your money) and you take your chance.

Adam Beamish ● 2016d

Well, Keith, let's have a think...Why would it be that some NHS vaccination centers have free parking while others do not? NHS is national yet the support of these centers is not? Computer says no.Then we have the bit about needing to expedite turnover to administer as many vaccines in a day as possible. In Ealing it was made perfectly clear what to do, where to do it and what would happen because they had several attendants present in the car park. My jab was 100% free and easily accessible. To Richard's point about parking and going elsewhere, who's to say someone wouldn't park, get a jab, then bip off for a walk to Kew, a shop, a coffee or whatever and jeopardize a jab for the next person because no parking is available? This is, at best, a money grab from LBH. I get you are virtuous and others who didn't walk to get their jab are heretics - signal received loud and clear - but did it also occur to you that many people are cash-strapped yet in need of a jab? Did it occur to you that maybe, just maybe, someone might not be getting a jab because they can't pay to get there one way or another? They aren't paying for the jab why should they have to pay to access it in the form or parking fees? Worse, why would they be penalized for it?

David Lesniak ● 2016d

David,this temporary vaccination centre is one with a pay car park,some others aren't. It's called the luck of the draw.Perhaps one day you will be the benefactor of the luck of the draw somewhere else and others, too busy or too stupid to see that there is a parking charge,will lose out.There is also enough time between being notified of your appointment and attending to make plans to travel.It probably costs about £1-£1.50 to park there for the length of a vaccination visit.There are at least two buses that go right by this place from Chiswick and an H91 drops you off very nearby on the A4.How much easier does it have to be?

Keith Iddon ● 2016d

"How much easier does it have to be?"Free?Suspend the parking. They've done it all over the borough, so why not at a vaccination center? Luck should have nothing to do with it.

David Lesniak ● 2016d

Free to park in the morning,bugger off somewhere else like Kew Gardens or get a train from the nearby statio and come back to your car when it suits.Yeah, that'd work...I think you will find that the vaccination centres that are usually clinics or established medical facilities, have free parking but for the time you are in the building only.The Fountain Centre is not a medical facility,but a business so it's a different story.I really don't know what all the fuss is about, the op didn't read the sign that parking should be paid for and now dummies are being spat out left, right and centre.Perhaps he or she should go to Specsavers,but should know there is no free parking there.

Keith Iddon ● 2016d

PS.A broadly similar thing happened to me a few weeks ago when I went to a funeral in Greenford. It's a bit awkward to get to there from Brentford on a bus,so drove and because of all the ltn shenanigans and parking restrictions everywhere,I parked at Lidl assuming that they had 2 hrs free for customers like Tesco etc.. It was my intention to return withing 2 hrs, do some shopping and be on my way,which is exactly what I did.I ended up getting a £45 fine, as the time limit was 1.75 hrs(clearly signed in the car park), not 2 hrs and I missed it by 10 mins.More fool me, but I'm not going on a public forum to claim I was hard done by.

Keith Iddon ● 2016d

Surely if someone can afford to own, run and maintain a car in London then they can afford a couple of quid for parking when they go for their jab ?.

Adam Beamish ● 2016d

Keith, Well lucky old you. Some folk don't walk. Some folk are not as lucky as you. Please consider these things before opening those lips !

Chris Vessey ● 2016d

There is nothing in the op to suggest he/she can't walk.I am also fairly sure that those who are genuinely housebound can get a visit for a district nurse to get the jab.If it's you who can't walk, Chris, you have my sympathy and perhaps you could enquire at your GP about getting a nurse to give you the jab.Good luck and I am sorry too that you seem to be hearing voices in your head.

Keith Iddon ● 2016d

Keith, No I do not have any physical shortcomings at this precise moment. I did not have an issue paying 50p parking at BFLC either. I was merely speaking up for others who are not quite as fortunate as you and yours truly. I had previously cycled to BFLC the day before to check out the situation with parking etc. As I have mentioned earlier.....always Be Prepared !! Then all should go smoothly then one is left glowing with happiness.

Chris Vessey ● 2016d

The cohort receving vaccines at BFLC at the moment is mainly early middle-aged non-vulnerable people. There is abundant free parking right outside the door to the centre. I used it when I got the jab last week.

Paul Campbell ● 2016d

DL: "Seems Mr Cathcart is okay with LBH profiteering during a pandemic. How odd."I made no comment whatever on the LBH or the ticketing. Rather I merely expressed surprise at someone being able to arrive and get away again in 10 minutes (max).I might have added that it took an additional 10 minutes before they were able to see me after I turned up for my appointment at CHC, so making my own stay 25 minutes.P.S. I have clearly incurred your wrath by having the temerity to diagree with you on other threads. What is "odd" however, is your seeming determination to have a pop at me at every subsequent opportunity, so matter how desperate. Grow up.

Richard Cathcart ● 2015d

Hi Richard-Again you make no comment on LBH practice. Instead you insinuate the OP's experience was somehow questionable and subsequently you aim at me.It's all good.However, what's not good is LBH treatment of residents and businesses in W4. Issuing a PCN for someone getting a vaccine simply isn't acceptable. It also will not help win over anyone on the fence when deciding to get one.The only thing desperate is the current situation.I believe local government should possess heart, decency and good will. We don't have that in Hounslow.You seem to disagree and support penalizing someone for getting a vaccine.

David Lesniak ● 2015d

"I think you will find that the vaccination centres that are usually clinics or established medical facilities, have free parking but for the time you are in the building only"That, right there, is the point.Some vaccination centers have free parking. Some don't. Why? The Compass Centre is a business and yet it offers two hours of free parking. BFLC is a Hounslow property, is it not? And it can't swing 15 minutes of free parking?

David Lesniak ● 2015d

If you want to have a pop at someone, I guess it should be the jobsworth who issued the ticket, and his employers who didn't tell him to exercise discretion. Still, at least he didn't put his knee on anyone's neck while they choked to death, so perhaps a little perspective here would be worthwhile.

Richard Greenhough ● 2015d

I made no comment on LBH practice because I can see both sides to the argument.Meaning your perceived "insinuation" is quite simply wrong (see above).Now give it a rest.

Richard Cathcart ● 2015d

"I was there for 5-10 mins.When I got my jab at Chiswick Health Centre a few weeks back, they insisted eveyone wait 15 minutes after it was administered."Your exact words, Richard. I've looked and looked for anything having to do with LBH in this post, but there I've found zilch.Both sides did you say?

David Lesniak ● 2015d

DL: "Both sides did you say?"Neither side, actually.For the record, I can sympathise with s.o. who gets ticketed while waiting to be vaccinated - it seems a bit mean to me, esp when other centres have free parking.That said, those who have pointed out the the OP ignored the signs also have a point.Which was why I declined to offer an opinion either way.Rather what I did query was how he managed to get in and out in so little as 5 minutes, maybe 10?For I understood that it was normal practice to require vaccinated patients to stay 15 minutes, in case there should be any immediate adverse reaction (plus any time queueing up beforehand).Now you may draw whatever inference from that elaboration you like, but if past experience is anything to go by, you might be advised to keep it to yourself, since your posts often say far more about you than they do about their target, never mind the point under discussion.

Richard Cathcart ● 2015d

I'm not going to reply to everyone individually to get this into a big debate.I wish the council had the heart to provide at least 30mins free parking which would allow people to get vaccinated for free. We've been dealing with coronavirus for more than a year now and finally got the vaccines ready. Trying hard to get everyone vaccinated asap. This was in no way a normal situation for any of us. BFLC is probably not operating in full anyway. Ticketing someone who most probably a local person came for vaccination within 3 mins in that car park is opportunistic imho. Not cancelling it, even with provided evidence is also heartless. Low Net Promoter Score from me.Some clarifications:No I haven't been told to wait for 15mins after the jab.No I didn't have to wait in the queue a lot. So finished very quickly.I chose to drive because I had meetings before and after.Being able to pay the fine is a different matter. You should not get ticketed just because you're able to pay (i.e have a car). That's a wrong opportunistic mindset. I'll cycle next time.

Utku Er ● 2015d

"Being able to pay the fine is a different matter. You should not get ticketed just because you're able to pay (i.e have a car). That's a wrong opportunistic mindset."True, but you created that opportunity by not checking.  I got done for speeding afew months back by a mobile camera unit parked up at 7am a short distance before the 30mph limit ended on the outskirts of a small village, now that unit wasn't parked in that place at that time for the greater good, it's parked there because it's a revenue generator.But, had I not been speeding, it wouldn't be mattered.  I was, so I had to pay the fine, mea culpa.Such is life - your points about covid could equally be turned on its head by saying that the pandemic has only stretched the already overstretched services of local authorities further, so one shouldn't be surprised that they are charging for parking.

Adam Beamish ● 2014d

If it had been me you was remiss enough to not see the charges sign and been fined,I would have been miffed and maybe even have used a few choice words, but would have accepted my responsibility.I certainly wouldn't expect any sympathy from others for my own negligence.I don't know how this is anyone else's fault or responsibility but yours,Utku.

Keith Iddon ● 2014d

Keith, I have already congratulated you for being amazing so no need to labour the point.The important point is being missed here. It doesn't really matter how people choose to travel to get vaccinated, the key thing is that they get the jab. The local authority should be doing everything they can to encourage people to do so to reduce the chances of a further wave of the disease and save lives. Council contractors, not just in Hounslow, are clearly taking advantage of people going to unfamiliar locations and parking in unfamiliar spots making them more likely to park in error. This should not be happening. If the parking attendants are at the site of a vaccine centre they should be there to help people who are there for a legitimate purpose park without stress.By making this difficult the council will effectively be discouraging a small but significant number of people from getting vaccinated. It isn't just that some will be discouraged by the thought of getting a fine but that it undermines the apparent sincerity of the public health message the council is trying to give out.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 2014d

Richard Cathcart explained" Rather what I did query was how he managed to get in and out in so little as 5 minutes, maybe 10?"As I understand it anyway, you only need wait the monitored 15 minutes with the Pfizer jab. With the AZ jab there's no set waiting time; although patients may be advised to sit in their car for a few minutes before driving off etc.michael adams...

Michael Adams ● 2014d

Jeremy, your regards are well noted and had I a chuckle over them. I did not dig this thread up again and as far as I can see all you are doing is labour your rather wet point. If anyone is discouraged from getting a possible life saving vaccine by the thought of having to pay £1 parking charge,then they need to get a grip.

Keith Iddon ● 2014d

"then they need to get a grip"Indeed, Keith. Get a grip.Yours is an overly entitled view. Jeremy is spot on. For those on a fixed income or for those who have lost jobs doesn't mean they don't have a car to use. By using it, to them, it may have meant not spending money on the tube, bus or Uber.The situation isn't consistent and it should be. There is no need to cause or increase distress. The council has proven itself to be opportunistic with road schemes and Serco here, there and everywhere. Their reputation precedes them. It isn't a stretch to see they are taking advantage of unsuspecting folks yet again.

David Lesniak ● 2014d

When I had my first AstraZeneca jab I was asked to remain in the hall for fifteen minutes (along with all other recipients) to make sure there were no immediate side-effects. If the venue doesn't have the space, I guess sitting in the car for that time outside the venue would be an alternative.

Richard Greenhough ● 2014d

Thank you, Richard, for chastising me. I feel so, how shall I say it...chastened?I did note, though, it took several volleys for you to get to your point. Third time lucky, I guess. All that when a simple bit of transparency and forth-righteousness would've come in handy. I wonder, then, what might that say about you?

David Lesniak ● 2014d

Drivel.

Keith Iddon ● 2014d

KI: "Drivel"May I borrow that for the next time you-know-who has a pop?

Richard Cathcart ● 2014d

In a recent report, the UK has issued an allergy warning for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine. According to MHRA Chief Executive June Raine, "Any person with a history of anaphylaxis to a vaccine, medicine or food should not receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine." Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to food or medications, which can lead to serious complications. Therefore, a pre-existing condition of allergies can hinder the effectiveness of the vaccine.So being asked to wait outside in your car after Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine is dangerous.If you went into an Anaphylaxis shock you wouldn't be monitored by the staff and get the correct treatment needed to help you out of the shock.In fact you can die from Anaphylaxis shock. 

Bernard Allen ● 2014d

Be my guest.I have tried to show how there are so many ways to get there from Chiswick,at least two buses,cycling,walking nearby free parking if you have a blue badge and even the fact that if you are housebound you can get a nurse to visit to administer THE vaccine.It appears that bending over backwards is not enough for those who are not aware enough to imagine that they may have to pay a quid to park.Goodness only knows how long pay and displays have been ubiquitous,at least 20 years I would say.Still, some folks will never be happy unless they get exactly what they want and pdq.Perhaps they could be spoon fed their vaccine as well.

Keith Iddon ● 2014d

Richard...ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha yeh I know who you mean !Useful word is "drivel".

Chris Vessey ● 2014d

It's a shame you got 'done', particularly if you just didn't notice the ticket machines or whatever. However, I don't see how the Council giving 'at least 30 mins free parking' would work as it would necessitate a parking attendant to be circling the car park endlessly.In any case, 30 mins when I went to The Fountain wouldn't have been enough - I must have been there 45 mins. or so in all.

Anne England ● 2013d

Richard Greenhough explained" When I had my first AstraZeneca jab I was asked to remain in the hall for fifteen minutes"Fair enough. I was going by the experience of other people, and by information such as thisquote:" GPs do not need to observe patients for 15 minutes after administering the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.The MHRA said this comes as no reports of anaphylactic adverse reactions have so far been associated with the Oxford vaccine.:unquotehttps://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/news/clinical-areas/allergy/no-requirement-to-observe-patients-for-15-minutes-after-oxfordastrazeneca-covid-vaccination/Maybe there have been instances of anaphylactic reactionsince January 2021 when that was published. Or there again. When I had my Pfizer jab it was clear the volunteers manning the centre didn't have the first idea about the importance of good ventilation; which could have been solved by opening a few doors. Or social distancing for that matter. Which is - regardless or 1 metre or 2metre rules that you don't go any nearer to people than is absolutely necessary. So I wouldn't necessarily expect them to be that cluedup about anything else; more especially if more than onevaccine is being offered at the one location on different dates.michael adams...   

Michael Adams ● 2013d

Of course.  As if the huge logistical challenge to deliver the vaccine wasn’t enough.  It’s a shame Utku didn’t spot the £1 parking charge but, seriously, this isn’t a hill to die on.

Kerry Chandler ● 2013d