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'Grace Period' For Isle Of Wight Key Workers After COVID-19 Parking Permits Scrapped

Some keyworkers on the Isle of Wight have been left with a parking ticket because they were 'unaware' the Government had withdrawn COVID-19 permits.

The Isle of Wight Council says updates were given on its website in advance, but has agreed to give a 'grace period' for key workers.

It means no enforcement action will be taken for 14 days, until July 4. Any key worker who has a ticket can appeal.

Islanders say they were caught out because the scrapping of the scheme wasn't advertised well enough.

An Isle of Wight Council social media post went up yesterday (23) - two days after it ended.

📍 COVID-19 key worker permits update. The Government COVID-19 key worker parking permit scheme which provides free...

Posted by Isle of Wight Council on Tuesday, June 22, 2021


Islander Andy said:

"Disappointing this did post did not come out two days ago when the scheme was withdrawn, would have saved us the cost of a parking ticket."

However, the Isle of Wight Council says "details have been on our website for a couple of weeks".

It has has agreed to offer "a gesture of good will" to those who were caught out.

A spokesperson said:

“While the government-led COVID-19 key worker parking permits scheme was withdrawn on Monday 21 June and details have been on our website for a couple of weeks, not all users were aware of the change.

“For this reason, an update on permits was posted on social media with further proactive comms planned to notify users.

“As a gesture of good will to the amazing work carried out by keyworkers, the authority will have a 14-day grace period.  If any keyworker has received a parking ticket since Monday 21 June, they need to submit a challenge and on proof of their permit, it will be cancelled.”

The initiative provided key workers with free parking while they were on duty in the COVID-19 response.  

The council says the withdrawal of the permit is in line with the Government website.

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