NEAR MISS
I was fined £450 after parking in wrong spot at Stansted Airport… but pressing button at the exit gate saved me £100s
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A MAN who was fined £450 for parking in the wrong spot at Stansted Airport managed to make a lucky escape after pressing a button at the exit gate.
Recounting his story on social media site Reddit, the man told how he was setting off on a nine-day holiday.
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But after arriving at Stansted Airport car park realised that the parking spot was not the one he had reserved.
Instead of the £95 they had booked for their car, it seemed that the driver, posting under the username Angry Cornflake, had ended up in a different spot.
He detailed his close shave and how they managed to escape the hefty fee by simply pressing a button at the exit gate.
The Redditor posted: "Bagged my way out of a £450 parking charge at Stansted.
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"Recently returned from a 9 day holiday. I'd booked parking in advance as usual, and thought I'd selected the mid-stay car park, as I have done all my previous trips. Cost of around £95."
The narrative continued with the user explaining: "Realised around halfway through the holiday I'd actually booked in the long stay for some reason.
"So now I'm convinced I've just shelled out £95 for a space I'm not using, and will be charged 'on the door' rates for the mid-stay when I get back.
"Leaving mid-stay I get to the barrier...£450! ! ! F**k me! But I pressed the 'call for assistance' button and just told the guy I had booked ahead and wasn't sure what the charge was for."
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He recounted the fortunate turn of events that led to them being let off the charge.
The happy holidaymaker praised a "divine miracle" after the attendant took down their name and vehicle registration.
I came back from holiday to find my Ford vandalised & tyres destroyed – car was parked legally but I’ll have to scrap it
He continued: "By some divine miracle (or perhaps the guy was feeling sorry for me, or had had a long day) just says 'sorry about that sir, the barrier should be open now.'
";You better believe I floored it out of there before he changed his mind."
The public has since shared their thoughts on the close call with the hefty charge.
One person commented: "It probably happens all the time that people park in the wrong car park.
"So rather than arguing with tired travellers and trying to make them pay it's likely they just search for your details and raised the barrier."
Another person shared a similar experience: "Similar situation here. I was ill on holiday and ended up staying and extra 3 days.
"I didn't realise there would be an inflated daily price. The barrier wanted something like £120.
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"I pressed the buzzer and explained to the woman and then suddenly they opened the barrier for me."
Stansted Airport have been contacted for comment.
Everything you need to know about parking
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