A blue-badge carrying wheelchair user has received a fine after parking in a disabled bay.
Peter Cox, from Kentucky, USA, visited Liverpool with his brother to see attractions dedicated to music greats the Beatles and Mersey Sound.
The 78-year-old retiree’s three-day trip resulted in his brother’s car being given a fine for using a disabled bay.
Cox, who used to work in the automotive industry, holds a blue-badge after being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and since suffering a pulmonary embolism on both lungs.
Peter Cox pictured holding the disability tag he displayed when he visited Liverpool
PETER COX
The pair prominently displayed an American blue-badge on the dashboard but received a £35 fine.
Cox told the Liverpool Echo: “Last November was a very enjoyable three week trip to visit family in Oxfordshire, culminating in a three day trip to Liverpool to see the Beatles and Mersey Sound attractions.
“We had a great private three hour tour of the city with explanations of the Beatles history, walked along Mathew Street at night and saw a little of the dockside the next day.
"My brother had driven us to Liverpool and we stayed at the Hard Days Night hotel and they referred us to the Victoria Street car park.
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Peter Cox went to visit Liverpool with his brother
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“However, I received a violation ticket even though my tag was prominently displayed on the dashboard.”
Cox appealed the fine after returning to the US and claimed the disability tag proved enough in Abingdon, Oxford and Witney.
The 78-year-old claimed he was "totally astounded by the denial reply".
Liverpool City Council said: "Based on the evidence available to me at this time, I would advise that the circumstances of this case do not warrant the exercise of discretion, consequently, the penalty charge remains payable."
His appeal was rejected by Liverpool City Council
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Cox added: "I find it very hard to believe that this is the way to welcome foreign visitors and their money to Liverpool's economy.
“This is certainly not the England that I was so proud to say I was born and grew up in."
A spokesperson for Liverpool City Council said: “Unlike EU blue badges which are generally accepted, US badges are not officially accepted in Liverpool.
“The advice is that people should check with the individual countries and local authorities as to whether a foreign blue badge can be displayed.
“In the US, these badges can take different forms and unlike UK badges, don’t include a photo of the blue badge users.”
