Canon Jonathan Pierce, rector of St Finnian’s Parish in Cregagh, received a parking ticket at Ards Blair Mayne Leisure Centre in Newtownards on March 27. He parked on double yellow lines with a blue badge displayed while taking his non-verbal wheelchair-using daughter Lucy to a dance competition.

All parking bays at the centre were full upon arrival. Rev. Pierce parked without blocking traffic. His daughter's school group performed and won an award.

A ticket inspector employed by Marston Holdings Ltd, acting for Ards and North Down Council, issued the fine as they left. The inspector stated blue badges do not apply in council-owned off-street car parks.

Rev. Pierce noted tickets went to other blue badge holders, including one with a fractured spine. He appealed the fine and questioned the council on revenue from that day's tickets.

Ards and North Down Council confirmed blue badge holders cannot park on yellow lines in its off-street car parks, though permitted on some on-street locations. Traffic attendants patrol 25 council car parks, including Ards Blair Mayne, with enforcement starting December 2024.

The council stated signage at the site requires parking wholly within bay markings. Information on rules was supplied to complex members, clubs and visitors.