A heartbreaking story has emerged of a 77-year-old woman, Barbara Edwards, who is struggling to pay a bus lane fine after mistaking a stranger for her deceased daughter. Barbara, who has faced the loss of four family members within a year, including her daughter, husband, niece, and brother, recounted the traumatic incident that led to the fine. While driving through a bus lane in Manchester city centre, Barbara saw a woman who closely resembled her late daughter, causing her immense shock and leading her to accidentally enter the bus lane.
Initially fined £60 in July last year, the fine has now escalated to £409, with bailiffs pursuing her for payment. Barbara expressed her financial distress, stating that she is already “barely eating” and cannot afford to settle the fine. Despite making two unsuccessful appeals, the case has now reached an enforcement agency stage, with bailiffs threatening to seize her furniture if she doesn’t pay.
Barbara revealed her ongoing struggle to cover the costs of her daughter’s funeral and expressed her inability to pay the bus lane fine. She highlighted her financial strain, mentioning that she is still repaying a £6,700 bill for her daughter’s funeral. Although she received a £3,400 bereavement grant, she admitted to owing a significant amount of money, making it challenging for her to make ends meet. Barbara added that she is unable to afford even basic necessities like heating, as winter approaches.
Manchester Council expressed sympathy for Barbara’s circumstances, indicating that they had made several attempts to reach a resolution with her, including offering discounted rates and payment plans. Despite these efforts, two independent bodies rejected Barbara’s appeals, leading to the involvement of enforcement agencies as a last resort. The council assured that the fine remains on hold, and they have extended an offer to discuss the matter further with Barbara.
Barbara’s poignant story sheds light on the financial struggles faced by individuals dealing with profound loss and highlights the challenges of navigating bureaucratic processes during times of personal crisis. As she grapples with grief and financial hardship, Barbara’s plight serves as a stark reminder of the human toll that bureaucratic fines can take on vulnerable individuals, calling for compassion and understanding in such situations.