BBC News Wales
Quote:
Pregnant woman told to pay fine
A council has refused to rescind a traffic warden's parking fine on a heavily-pregnant woman.
Paula Maguire, 27, from Deganwy, Conwy, was fined £30 after parking one inch (2.5cm) outside a bay at Llandudno.
Her car's back wheel was overlapping the bay at Trinity Square on what was to be her last driving trip.
Ms Maguire, who is expecting twins, appealed to the council but was told the £30 fine still stood as incorrect parking could "endanger" road users.
Builders who witnessed the booking took a photograph of the car with the wheel jutting outwards.
Ms Maguire said she had popped into a bank and was only in the parking bay for 10 minutes.
She appealed to the council but received a letter ordering her to pay the fine.
"I'm expecting to go into hospital at any time to have the babies and I don't need any hassle, so I've decided to pay up," she said.
"The builders who saw what happened were very angry and the warden beat a hasty retreat. When I asked his name he refused to give it, but just his number.
"But for their support I think I'd have burst out crying.
"My bump touches the steering wheel and it's difficult to park."
Her partner, Gerallt Evans, said : "She's paid up rather than bother with the fuss of appealing again."
Ms Maguire received a letter on behalf of Conwy Council's parking policy and services manager.
"Your vehicle was not parked correctly within the marked parking bay as required," it stated.
"The parking regulations require proper parking of vehicles in order not to endanger or inconvenience other road users.
"Where vehicles are parked over bay markings serious congestion can arise as a result as well as restricted access to emergency vehicles."