Family’s shock at $2300 charge amid Cyclone Alfred

A young family has been slapped with a bill totalling more than $2300 while on a holiday during Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

A young family has been stung more than $2300 for not returning their rental car to a closed Gold Coast Airport during Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Louise Turner, who is pregnant with twins and has a three-year-old son, said the original cost of the hire car for their Monday to Thursday holiday in Byron Bay was just $180.

She told 10 News First that concerned hotel staff encouraged the Melbourne family to leave.

“The rain was becoming really significant and we just got this overwhelming feel that we weren’t safe anymore and it was time to leave,” she said.

A young family were stung more than $2300 for not returning their rental car to a closed Gold Coast Airport during Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Picture: 10 News First

Given the family had their flights cancelled, they decided to escape by driving to Sydney.

Ms Turner said not only would the car likely have got damaged if they remained in Byron Bay because they only had an outdoor car park, they kept the car rental company, Europcar, updated.

It did not prevent the hefty bill from arriving.

They were charged thousands of dollars. Picture: 10 News First

According to an email seen by 10 News First, they were told Europcar’s “one-way fee policy remains in effect” despite the natural disaster.

But the company offered a refund after the news program chased up Ms Turner’s case.

“Europcar sincerely apologies for the miscommunication regarding this case and the erroneous charge. This charge will be refunded,” a statement said.

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