A Gold Coast pensioner says he’s been left shattered by an almost $300 hospital parking ticket.
John Mayock rushed his wife, Deborah, to Gold Coast University Hospital’s emergency department on March 30 after she showed signs of internal bleeding.
“I wouldn’t have left her for a minute with anybody,” he said.
His wife was treated throughout the night and the weekend.
After the ordeal, Mr Mayock said he found a $287 parking ticket from the hospital plastered on his front windscreen.
“I was just shattered, I thought this was the kick in the teeth I don’t need,” he said.
Mr Mayock spent four hours inside with his wife while parked in a one-hour zone.
He said he appealed the fine immediately.
“I had no option, I felt like I had no option,” he said.
“They said ‘oh we’re sorry for the delay, at this point we cannot waive the fine’.”
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Mr Mayock said he hoped to receive a refund after speaking out.
“I think they should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.
Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek lent his support to Mr Mayock.
“This gentleman is facing the cost of living crisis that all Queenslanders are,” Langbroek said.
There’s no give-way sign – so who goes first?
“I think it would be appropriate for the authorities to at least look at waving a fine like this given the circumstances.”
Lawyer Bill Potts told 9News the legislation allows for the penalty to be waived if there is a reasonable excuse.
“It is reasonable for the hospital to choose care rather than punishment,” Potts said.
A spokesperson for the Health Department said Mr Mayock was welcome to appeal the decision on compassionate grounds.
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