Parking ticket issued to restaurant’s decorative scooter

By Filipa Gaspar

A parking ticket has been issued to a scooter being used as a restaurant's decorative mascot.

Staff at newly-opened Bonita Pasta Club were left baffled after finding the fine attached to a stationary Vespa displayed outside.

The family-run venue, located on Weymouth Harbour, Dorset, has kept the vehicle outside its premises since opening.

Footage showing a parking enforcement officer issuing the ticket has been widely shared on social media, prompting speculation that the incident was a publicity stunt.

However, the restaurant has since confirmed that the penalty charge notice was genuine and has lodged an appeal.

The team said on social media: "We have been made aware of a video circulating online regarding our Vespa.

"As a family-run business, we stand firmly behind Vespa, who has been a committed employee since opening last week.

"Never missing a shift, arriving late, or requesting time off.

"We are deeply saddened to learn that this worker's loyalty to providing carbs to our community has been repaid with a parking ticket for merely doing its job.

"We will not let one yellow badge define an otherwise promising career."

The business stated that the vehicle is not used as a mode of transport and "works tirelessly to promote carbs for our community."

The team said it was initially disappointed by the parking ticket.

They added: "It’s always a shock.

"Our mascot was the most shocked of the lot. You see a bright yellow ticket harpers the look, it doesn’t enhance it. Yellow and orange? Big no-no.

"Since the event, we have been supporting our mascot through this difficult time and remain fully committed to it."

But they said there's been a big wave of support throughout and encouraged locals to come and have their picture taken with it.

The team said: "We are overwhelmed by the support of the community and far-reaching public eye."

Dorset Council said: "We can confirm a parking ticket was issued to a scooter outside a business on Custom House Quay last week during a routine patrol.

"We understand why this has prompted questions locally and at the time the ticket was issued, our officer did not know the scooter was there for display.

"The scooter is newly registered, with a number plate, tax and L‑plates, which means it is classed as a vehicle under current parking rules. At the time, our officers were also addressing a number of vehicles parked on the pavement in restricted areas, and they need to apply the same rules consistently to everyone.

"An appeal has now been submitted, and this will be carefully considered. We will keep the owner updated once a decision has been made.

"We are keen to support local businesses and help them in any way we can. We will contact the business to look at how the scooter can be adapted so it is obviously a display item and not treated in the same way under parking restrictions.

"Our enforcement officers help keep roads and pavements safe for everyone. They carry out their duties in line with council policies and national law, and we ask that they are treated with understanding and respect while doing their job."