Scooter rally parking tickets refunded after outcry

Scooter riders who were fined for parking on a pavement during a scooter rally will be refunded, a council has said.

Hundreds attended the National Weymouth Scooter Rally in Dorset at the weekend but there were complaints after some were given parking tickets.

Dorset Council said its enforcement officers "acted correctly" issuing the penalty charge notices (PCNs) but said it would refund the fines "as a gesture of goodwill".

Economy and environment councillor Jan Britton said: "The PCNs will still need to be paid in the usual way, but riders can contact our parking team to arrange a refund."

Ali Richards, who was among the riders who got a ticket, said she was pleased by the council's response.

She said: "My first ever rally was at Weymouth in 1983 and I love the town, so I really hope we can return again without worrying about the parking situation."

Richards said she had parked her scooter between two flower beds on a traffic island opposite her B&B and had not been blocking any access.

She said: "There are very few motorcycle bays.

"There was nowhere else to park and we thought it would be better than on the pavement itself, which many others had done.

"I'm pleased the council have offered to refund us, and hopefully they will come up with a workable solution for the next rally."

Footage shared on social media on Saturday showed about 15 to 20 scooters parked together on a traffic island near the Pavilion, all with yellow PCNs stuck to them.

Commenters criticised the fines, saying the rally contributed thousands to the local economy and there had been nowhere safe for the scooters to park.

Responding, Britton said she recognised the "positive boost" the rally gave to businesses and the town.

She said: "Dorset Council was not contacted before the event to discuss parking arrangements or any specific requirements for participants.

"As a result, no alternative parking arrangements were put in place for visiting riders.

"In recognition of the event's contribution to Weymouth and as a gesture of goodwill, Dorset Council will refund the PCNs issued to scooters in this location.

"We support events such as the scooter rally and would welcome the opportunity to work more closely with organisers in future to help identify suitable parking arrangements for visiting riders and help avoid similar issues arising at future events."