Holbeach area couple have fought parking fine at Boston hospital

The husband of a terminally ill woman has successfully fought a hospital parking fine.

Malcolm Munson (69) had tried to pay the £1 parking charge at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital during a half-hour visit on February 26.

The machine had returned his coin, stating that he had 30 minutes free parking - but he later received a letter demanding that he pay £42.

After calls from the Guardian, United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust waived the fee and confirmed 30 minutes’ free parking is still offered at the hospital.

Mr Munson, who is also a Blue Badge holder, had been to hospital for a regular appointment with wife Sandra (69), who was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer and has defied doctors’ expectations.

Before the fine was rescinded, Mr Munson, of Gedney, said: “We were having such a good day as Sandra had her CT scan and we were in and out within 30 minutes.

“But we have been having a poor time ever since trying to sort it out.

“I went back to make sure that I was right, otherwise I would have paid it but I am right so I’m not paying it.”

The couple had arrived at 2.41pm on February 26 and were due to leave at 3.11pm.

Mr Munson said that he had been struggling with the parking machine and had approached the parking attendant to help.

He said: “The machine chucked out the £1, saying that we had 30 minutes free parking.

“Now they are threatening me with parking charges. If I pay within 28 days it is £42... but that goes up to £70.”

Mr and Mrs Munson have been married for 10 years after meeting five years before via the lonely hearts column in the Lincolnshire Free Press and Spalding Guardian.

She was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer six years ago.

Mr Munson said: “They gave her eight months and she is still here.”

Hospital chief executive Andrew Morgan said: “Parking for Blue Badge holders at our hospitals is free, once the vehicle has been pre-registered at main reception with the Blue Badge displayed in the windscreen.

“On this occasion we will contact Parking Eye to waive the Parking Charge Notice as a gesture of goodwill.”