Man commits suicide after parking fines

[UserSince2005]

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What kind of a country are we living in where someone can be bullied to death over a parking fine

[Eddie.]

the world we live in today...

[UserSince2005]

:(

[RileyH]

</3

[Nicky91]

:bawling:

[Amy Jade]

Absoloutely tragic.

I detest these fines when you have under a month to pay them off, most people are paid monthly and simply cannot afford to fork out a hefty fine mind month, it is pure greek from the claimants.

I hope whoever was behind that feels disgusted in themselves.

[Crimson Dynamo]

so he did not pay a £65 fine as he should becuase he parked in the wrong place

he did not work if it rained..

he did not contact the company to explain he just ignored all the letters until they got the bailiffs in?

The bailiffs gave him "no choice he had to pay their set terms (never heard of this, their job is to get the money but on agreed terms that are viable)

Thousands and thousands of people a day go through similar circumstances and dont kill themselves


This is the worst gutter journalism, the poor lad had some sort of mental issues and this put him over the edge but to blame the system of paying fines is ludicrous. the mum should look at his life and mental health first and stop blaming others

ridiculous

[smudgie]

so he did not pay a £65 fine as he should becuase he parked in the wrong place

he did not work if it rained..

he did not contact the company to explain he just ignored all the letters until they got the bailiffs in?

The bailiffs gave him "no choice he had to pay their set terms (never heard of this, their job is to get the money but on agreed terms that are viable)

Thousands and thousands of people a day go through similar circumstances and dont kill themselves


This is the worst gutter journalism, the poor lad had some sort of mental issues and this put him over the edge but to blame the system of paying fines is ludicrous. the mum should look at his life and mental health first and stop blaming others

ridiculous

He obviously had mental health problems to take his own life, to blame it on a parking fine is ludicrous.
The mother is looking to blame someone, might help her with her grief, but the programme has no excuse for making an issue of it.

[Kizzy]

It's how councils make their money now fines, as funding has been withhdrawn from central govt they have to find nore innovative ways of generating income and fines are the easiest.
If you're on a low income one fine can really dent your income, 2 and you begin the debt spiral.
Fines are not always priority over food, energy, rent, council tax, and petrol.

'The surplus produced from council parking operations in England rose by 10 percent over the past year, according to a new study.

Some £819 million was generated from the on and off-street parking activities of the 353 local authorities in England during the 2016/17 financial year, research found.

The figure was calculated by taking income from parking charges and penalty notices and then deducting running costs.'

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/council-parking-fine-profits-england-increase-record-a8077541.html

[Toy Soldier]

He was certainly suffering from very serious depression and anxiety issues long before this and had probable been considering suicide for months if not years. No otherwise healthy, happy person kills them self over a very small amount of debt like this.

That said, one of the major characteristics of an anxiety disorder is being completely unable to see level-headed solutions to problems and "catastrophising" - blowing a problem way out of proportion and being unable to think clearly. So, this situation probably did ramp up his underlying anxiety, and then the frequent "pestering" from the "bailiff" (loan shark muscle on commission; that's all they really are) it's very likely that it is what tipped him over the edge... not getting a chance to regroup before being hit with reminder after reminder. This is so often what happens with people in debt. They WANT you to feel scared and trapped... they think that's the best way to get the money... and it's a horrific practice.

He should have told the guy to go and **** himself sideways and blocked his number. Call whatever number they've given, hold strong, make a payment arrangement (i.e. tell them to suck a dick until they agree to £10 a week, which they will) and moved on. Hell... the absolute worst case scenario is bankruptcy, which is highly unlikely from a small fine, and also not the end of the world for a young single person.

But that's not really the point. The point is, they were harassing someone who wasn't emotionally equipped to handle that sort of aggression. Sure, some will say "well that's not their fault and they weren't to know" but the simple fact is they shouldn't be harassing ANYONE like that, because a lot of people have anxiety issues, and a lot of people are conditioned to believe that money is the be all and end all of everything.


..... I mean... if £500 is suicide worthy I'm pretty screwed, as I'm easily £15k in the hole, have been for years, and my car is owned outright + I rent, it's not "legit debt" like a car or mortgage... it's cards and other bull**** :joker:. £300 a month goes straight down the drain :shrug:. It's crappy but it's not the end of the world. I could work on paying it off but I do it for a couple of months and then get sick of the belt-tightening and go back to just paying the interest. Sigh. That doesn't even include damn student loans, we're at nearly £40k combined if you include those :umm2:. Debt is sadly just a fact of young adult life these days.

[Kizzy]

Do you have any outstanding fines, how would you know how they might affect you psychologically?

My daughter has debt as any student does but the way she reacts to that and the way she reacts if she receives a parking ticket is not the same, it's a different kind of stress being made to feel like a criminal.

[bots]

I feel sorry for the mother as she is clearly devastated. There are agencies around to help with debt issues. It would have been more productive, I think, to focus on them and the assistance that they provide rather than trying to blame someone. Its shoddy journalism.

[Crimson Dynamo]

There was so much that mum wasnt telling however. She should not have been on the TV. Does she even consider that baliffs have debts, family, worries

dreadful by This Morning

[Brillopad]

Do you have any outstanding fines, how would you know how they might affect you psychologically?

My daughter has debt as any student does but the way she reacts to that and the way she reacts if she receives a parking ticket is not the same, it's a different kind of stress being made to feel like a criminal.

Don't park illegally then. It isn't rocket science. We are living in world it seems where no one, except the Government, is expected to take any responsibility for their actions.

[Kizzy]

It's great that it's being highlighted how much these fines can impact on your life, more needs to be done to assess the impact these have on people.
One minute you're just keeping your head above water, the next...you've drown.

Look at the new fine for speeding, a weeks wage or the best part of a months rent, I'm conflicted on that to be fair... nobody sticks to speed limits, I've tried to and it's more dangerous as those around you begin to drive more aggressively for holding them up!

But taking money from people just about managing?... :/ (don't ask me what happens if they don't work, I don't know )

[Brillopad]

It's great that it's being highlighted how much these fines can impact on your life, more needs to be done to assess the impact these have on people.
One minute you're just keeping your head above water, the next...you've drown.

Look at the new fine for speeding, a weeks wage or the best part of a months rent, I'm conflicted on that to be fair... nobody sticks to speed limits, I've tried to and it's more dangerous as those around you begin to drive more aggressively for holding them up!

But taking money from people just about managing?... :/ (don't ask me what happens if they don't work, I don't know )

Speeding kills - darn right people should be fined. Don't we need to stop this selfish behaviour? Or do some only care when it is them or theirs on the receiving end?

[Alf]

My best friend killed himself 3 years ago today. I miss him so much.


DPL_SV3n7IU

[Kizzy]

Don't park illegally then. It isn't rocket science. We are living in world it seems where no one, except the Government, is expected to take any responsibility for their actions.

It's the government which have created the shortfall forcing councils to enforce more fines, many of which are overturned on appeal so they are not even an offence to begin with.
My daughter got one where the yellow line was entirely obscured by dead leaves! it was overturned.

I thought this govt hated bureaucracy and regulation... now it's ok to have a fully automated 'computer says no' nation because it facilitates the removal of your cash?

The thread is dealing with the issue of the impact of these fines on mental health, yet with your cutting sideswipe you have chosen to ignore that aspect to focus on your duty to defend without question every single governmental or council decision.

[Kizzy]

Speeding kills - darn right people should be fined. Don't we need to stop this selfish behaviour? Or do some only care when it is them or theirs on the receiving end?

Why are you choosing to bait on this issue?...

I have no problem whatsoever with speeding fines, nor have I ever suggested I have.

The change from a set fine to a weeks wage however is different, who is tasked with this calculation? It would have to be a whole new department clearly.

[Crimson Dynamo]

It's the government which have created the shortfall forcing councils to enforce more fines, many of which are overturned on appeal so they are not even an offence to begin with.
My daughter got one where the yellow line was entirely obscured by dead leaves! it was overturned.

I thought this govt hated bureaucracy and regulation... now it's ok to have a fully automated 'computer says no' nation because it facilitates the removal of your cash?

The thread is dealing with the issue of the impact of these fines on mental health, yet with your cutting sideswipe you have chosen to ignore that aspect to focus on your duty to defend without question every single governmental or council decision.

Kizzy this is not a Government bashing incident it is one specific to the dead boy and his condition and if it wast a parking fine it would have been something else.

[Livia]

I'm no psychologist but I reckon the parking fines were just one of a myriad of things this man was depressed about. Blaming everything on parking fines is so simplistic. Everyone has a certain amount of debt at some point in their life, some can manage it, some can't... parking tickets just aren't the issue here.

I have never paid a parking fine, I've never paid a speeding ticket... and that's because I stick to the speed limit and I don't park where I shouldn't. If you don't want to pay, don't break the law.

[Kizzy]

Kizzy this is not a Government bashing incident it is one specific to the dead boy and his condition and if it wast a parking fine it would have been something else.

This is a debate on fines... my query is specifically relating to council funding being drawn from fines and therefore entirely relevant.
If you don't agree let it be known I don't care, that is my view.

[Kizzy]

I'm no psychologist but I reckon the parking fines were just one of a myriad of things this man was depressed about. Blaming everything on parking fines is so simplistic. Everyone has a certain amount of debt at some point in their life, some can manage it, some can't... parking tickets just aren't the issue here.

I have never paid a parking fine, I've never paid a speeding ticket... and that's because I stick to the speed limit and I don't park where I shouldn't. If you don't want to pay, don't break the law.

Is't that what you would call 'supposition'?

Isn't it a civil offence, you're not actually breaking any law are you?

[Crimson Dynamo]

This is a debate on fines... my query is specifically relating to council funding being drawn from fines and therefore entirely relevant.
If you don't agree let it be known I don't care, that is my view.

lol, er no it isnt

its a shoddy piece of tv journalism missing the point and indulging a mother who should know better

its nothing to do with bloody fines

did you watch the video?

[Brillopad]

Why are you choosing to bait on this issue?...

I have no problem whatsoever with speeding fines, nor have I ever suggested I have.

The change from a set fine to a weeks wage however is different, who is tasked with this calculation? It would have to be a whole new department clearly.

I'm not baiting but speeding has potentially serious consequences and a higher fine is a better deterrent than a lower one. Anyone doing it takes the risk and therefore cannot moan about the level of the fine.

[Livia]

Is't that what you would call 'supposition'?

Isn't it a civil offence, you're not actually breaking any law are you?

No, that's what you'd call, my opinion.

[bots]

No, that's what you'd call, my opinion.

can't be having one of them :fist:

[Livia]

can't be having one of them :fist:

Oh go on... everyone else has got one.

[Ashley.]

Kizzy this is not a Government bashing incident it is one specific to the dead boy and his condition and if it wast a parking fine it would have been something else.

Couldn't agree more. The government didn't kill the boy... It's a sad, sad tragedy, and this was just the final straw for him.

[Kizzy]

lol, er no it isnt

its a shoddy piece of tv journalism missing the point and indulging a mother who should know better

its nothing to do with bloody fines

did you watch the video?

Of course I did before you commence with the trolling, the effects of that were evident IMO.

[Kizzy]

Couldn't agree more. The government didn't kill the boy... It's a sad, sad tragedy, and this was just the final straw for him.

Who said they did?! :/

[Kizzy]

No, that's what you'd call, my opinion.

Well then that's totally fine then obviously, like you said you're no psychologist.

[Ashley.]

Who said they did?! :/

Nobody. That comment wasn't supposed to be taken literally.

[Livia]

Well then that's totally fine then obviously, like you said you're no psychologist.


You don't have to be a psychologist to see that this man had problems if he couldn't cope with the repercussions of not paying a parking fine.

That was my point.

For clarification.

Because I think you take everything I say quite literally.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Of course I did before you commence with the trolling, the effects of that were evident IMO.

I think the person who is at odds with just about every poster in the thread in some desperate attempt to pin this politically may be the one who could be considered "trolling"

:idc:

[Kizzy]

You don't have to be a psychologist to see that this man had problems if he couldn't cope with the repercussions of not paying a parking fine.

That was my point.

For clarification.

Because I think you take everything I say quite literally.

You had already clarified it was your opinion, no further clarification was necessary I was perfectly satisfied with that.

How odd that you used the word literally... I literally used that myself yesterday and Ashley used it just then... That's literally quite spooky isn't it?

[Livia]

You had already clarified it was your opinion, no further clarification was necessary I was perfectly satisfied with that.

How odd that you used the word literally... I literally used that myself yesterday and Ashley used it just then... That's literally quite spooky isn't it?

You make no sense when you're trying wildly to justify your comments.

[Kizzy]

I think the person who is at odds with just about every poster in the thread in some desperate attempt to pin this politically may be the one who could be considered "trolling"

:idc:

'At odds'? I had an OPINION on council funding and there began some accusation...
I have never let other posters manipulate my feeling on any issue and am perfectly capable of reasoning my thoughts on any given topic thank you.

[Livia]

'At odds'? I had an OPINION on council funding and there began some accusation...
I have never let other posters manipulate my feeling on any issue and am perfectly capable of reasoning my thoughts on any given topic thank you.

That's really quite sad. I have been known to change my mind after a compelling argument from someone. Otherwise I'd be imagining I'm always right. Which I'm not.

[Kizzy]

You make no sense when you're trying wildly to justify your comments.

I don't have to justify my comments to you, derailing the thread as can happen when you get bogged down in these kinds of discussions isn't wise. I think I've made my point.

[Livia]

I don't have to justify my comments to you, derailing the thread as can happen when you get bogged down in these kinds of discussions isn't wise. I think I've made my point.

And yet you try so hard.

And yes, you've made your point. The government is to blame.

[Kizzy]

That's really quite sad. I have been known to change my mind after a compelling argument from someone. Otherwise I'd be imagining I'm always right. Which I'm not.

Then that would come after the reasoning of the thoughts wouldn't it? My point was I don't blindly follow the majority view.

I know very well you're not always right but It's very noble of you to admit it. Thank you.

[Livia]

Then that would come after the reasoning of the thoughts wouldn't it? My point was I don't blindly follow the majority view.

I know very well you're not always right but It's very noble of you to admit it. Thank you.

And very ignoble that you don't.

[arista]

There was so much that mum wasnt telling however. She should not have been on the TV. Does she even consider that baliffs have debts, family, worries

dreadful by This Morning


Yes its a sad story

[Kizzy]

And yet you try so hard.

And yes, you've made your point. The government is to blame.

I'm leaving the discussion as I feel this comment is baiting. My view on this was clarified earlier.

[Livia]

I'm leaving the discussion as I feel this comment is baiting. My view on this was clarified earlier.

Whatever...

[Vicky.]

I'm no psychologist but I reckon the parking fines were just one of a myriad of things this man was depressed about. Blaming everything on parking fines is so simplistic. Everyone has a certain amount of debt at some point in their life, some can manage it, some can't... parking tickets just aren't the issue here.

Yeah I agree with this. It may have been what finally pushed him over the edge, but if it was not this fine it could be something equally as trivial.

[waterhog]

when you are desperate you mind is not always thinking to its best ability and for these sharks to exploit your weakness - shame on them.

horrid story.

[Crimson Dynamo]

when you are desperate you mind is not always thinking to its best ability and for these sharks to exploit your weakness - shame on them.

horrid story.

There is no shame in collecting a legal debt

there is however shame in avoiding paying one

[DemolitionRed]

A lot of these parking tickets are not fines, at least in the legal sense, they are invoices. An official ticket (that normally now arrives by post) will have the heading, "Penalty Charge Notice". An unofficial ticket will have the heading, "Parking Charge Notice". I've had a ticket (not a fine) in my place of work for not properly displaying my parking pass. I disputed this with my employers/land owners and it was cancelled.

People need to learn the difference between a fine and an invoice because as long as its not something selfish, like blocking access or parking in a disabled zone without a disabled badge, you can usually get those tickets cancelled.

[UserSince2005]

Yeah I agree with this. It may have been what finally pushed him over the edge, but if it was not this fine it could be something equally as trivial.

I dont think it is trivial to be harassed by bailiffs and then have your most important possession in your life, and only source of income, taken from you.

This man was backed into a corner and the only way he could see out was to hang himself in a forest. How alone he must have felt.

[DemolitionRed]

There is no shame in collecting a legal debt

there is however shame in avoiding paying one

I've read up on this case and it sounds like the appointed bailiff did everything by the book. That though, doesn't mean all bailiffs dutifully follow regulations. A lot of bailiffs illegally harass a person they are trying to collect a debt from and the law would say, there is a lot of shame in that.

As for feeling shame if you avoid debt, people often avoid debt once they have reached the stage of anxiety and even depression. People who avoid a debt that is being chased will often feel helplessness, fear and shame. They don't need others telling them they should feel ashamed.

I hope to god if my kids ever get in debt, they can come to me and talk about it and let me help them sort it out. I would hate them to feel ashamed and alone.

[UserSince2005]

Yall act as though having bailiffs come to your house is a normal weekly occurrence. Actually probs is for yous.