Father cops parking fine in Henley Beach while son has seizure in car

An Adelaide dad’s parking fine has been upheld despite being unable to move his car because his son was having a seizure.

Ramsey Soliman has cerebral palsy, scoliosis, and severe epilepsy and was enjoying at day out in Henley Beach when the fine was issued. Picture: Supplied

A father has been fined for using an accessible parking space for too long while his son was having a seizure.

Essam Soliman was visiting Henley Beach with his son Ramsey, 18, who has cerebral palsy, scoliosis, and severe epilepsy, when he was fined $61 for exceeding the time limit by 20 minutes.

While Mr Soliman was trying to dispute the fine, Ramsey began having a seizure.

“During the time I was away from the vehicle, my son experienced a seizure, and I was physically unable to leave him unattended – even momentarily – to move the car,” the 55-year-old support worker said.

However, the fine later escalated to $549 after being sent to enforcement before he was able to address it, he said.

“The original fine was $61, issued because I overstayed the parking limit by just over 20 minutes.

Welland dad Essam Soliman with his son Ramsey. Essam was fined after overstaying 20 minutes in a disabled parking space. Picture: Supplied

“Due to the demands of caring for my son, time can easily slip away without intention.

“I contacted enforcement and was told I had to pay $30 just to have the matter referred back to the council for consideration of the original fine.

“Despite paying this amount and explaining the situation — including my son’s severe disability — the council refused to reduce or revoke the fine.”

Since then he has contacted the council to explain the circumstances, however their response has “lacked compassion and flexibility.”

“As a father and a full-time carer, every dollar and every moment counts,” he said.

“I understand the importance of parking regulations, but there must be room for compassion and common sense.

“Families like mine, caring for vulnerable individuals with complex needs, should not be punished without consideration for context.

“To be penalised so harshly for something so minor — and under such understandable circumstances — has left me feeling frustrated, unsupported, and let down by the very systems meant to serve the community.

“It has added emotional and financial strain during a time when we’re already facing so much.”

Mr Soliman, who lives in Welland, said it was “incredibly disheartening that carers — whose sole focus is the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals — are put in the impossible position of choosing between avoiding a parking fine or leaving their client alone.”

“Forcing carers to move their cars or circle for a new space puts people with disabilities at risk, simply because the council has chosen to prioritise parking sensors over human care and dignity,” he said.

“This approach fails to support inclusion and sends a clear message: that people with special needs are not truly welcome to enjoy public spaces like Henley Beach.”

A spokesperson for the City of Charles Sturt council confirmed that the fine was issued last September.

While late fees were initially added, they were later waived with Mr Soliman paying the $61 fine in February.