Gym 'penalised' by loading bay parking rules

Micky Donkin uses the parking bay outside his gym to unload heavy equipment

A gym director says he is being penalised because of loading bay parking rules outside his business, as he does not own a van.

Micky Donkin, from Evolution Fitness in Newbottle Street, Houghton-le-Spring, has received multiple fines for parking his work car in a "goods vehicle only" bay outside his business to safely unload heavy gym equipment.

During work hours, only goods vehicles, which are designated as "constructed or adapted for the conveyance of goods or products", are allowed to use the spot.

Sunderland City Council said restrictions were in the interests of all highways users, and claimed it was "not possible" to provide an exemption.

The parking bay is one shop along from the gym and the road either side has double yellow line restrictions.

Mr Donkin said the nearest car park was about 200m (656ft) away and up an incline, which he said posed a health and safety risk when carrying heavy equipment.

He said the situation was "frustrating" because he did not have a business need or budget for a van.

Evolution Fitness Gym is just a few metres from the parking bay

Mr Donkin said: "I'm penalised for literally the type of car it is, which I feel is a bit unfair."

He said the rules were a failure of common sense and that he should be able to use his business-owned and insured car for loading.

Mr Donkin, who has been given five penalty charge notices of £30 each, said he always tries to park his car legally but sometimes it is not an option.

"By default I'm parking illegally and I accept that, however I've got a need to be able to load in and out of my business."

The car is business-owned and insured, Mr Donkin said

Mr Donkin had previously asked the Labour-run local authority for an exemption.

It was rejected and he was advised to use the bay outside working hours when the goods vehicle restriction does not apply.

Sunderland City Council said: "As many residents and visitors will be aware, parts of the street are narrow and restrictions have always been about improving road safety, reducing congestion in the interests of all highways users and supporting the wider community.

"It's is not possible to provide an exemption as restrictions apply to all road users."

It added there was an appeals process for anyone who believed they had been issued a penalty charge notice incorrectly.