Disabled senior fined for toilet pit stop in Labrador

A Sunshine Coast senior’s 60-year love affair with the Gold Coast has turned sour after a desperate toilet stop turned into a costly nightmare.

A Sunshine Coast senior living with disability and in urgent need of a toilet stop has copped a hefty fine from Gold Coast city parking inspectors.

The woman said she had been visiting the city for the last 60 years, but the “shocking” fine had turned her off ever holidaying here again.

On the weekend of February 9 Wendy Trinder and her 90-year-old husband, who is on 24-hour oxygen, were driving from the Sunshine Coast en route to visit family in Byron Bay.

“We thought we’d stay on the Gold Coast for the night as my husband had limited oxygen to keep him alive,” Mrs Trinder said.

Wendy and Bob Trinder on Mr Trinder's 90th birthday. Picture: Supplied

“I had an urgent need of a public toilet – which does affect how you drive and your concentration levels.”

Disabled and unable to walk far, the 77-year-old headed for Labrador near Charis Seafood – familiar with the large carpark and public toilet area.

“There was no carparking available at all, let alone any disabled parking,” she said.

Mrs Trinder said after a half-hour search on the busy Sunday for a park, she out of desperation found an empty boat trailer park, pulling into a space as her husband waited in the car.

“I hobbled over to the Grand Hotel as it was closer to my car than the public toilets,” she said.

“I was gone for a total of eight minutes, returning to my car with my husband still inside.”

Upon returning home from the family visit, she received a $201 fine.

“Imagine my shock” she said.

Mrs Trinder appealed the fine and received a letter in return stating there were insufficient grounds for withdrawal, and medical grounds must be of an urgent nature and have directly impacted the drivers’ ability.

Given no choice she paid the fine, but said the incident was urgent and did impact her driving ability at the time.

A Gold Coast City Council spokesperson said council does not comment on individual situations, but parking fines may be withdrawn in exceptional circumstances.

“The City is dedicated to ensuring safe and accessible parking for all, including those with physical disabilities, by reviewing parking infringement notices in line with established policies,” they said.

“The City regularly monitors parking across the city to ensure a fair, safe, and equitable outcome for the community. Parking fine appeals are assessed based on the facts provided and in line with Council Penalty Infringement Review Policy.”

Originally published as Disabled senior fined for toilet pit stop in Labrador