By Fatma Younis
Comedian Joe Lycett has accused Birmingham City Council of being “morally wrong” after receiving a parking fine while taking his son to the emergency department at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Fine issued during emergency visit
Speaking on Katherine Ryan’s podcast “What’s My Age Again?”, Lycett said he was issued a Penalty Charge Notice at the exact moment he was inside paying for a parking session. His child was being assessed in A&E at the time.
Call for revenue donation
Lycett argued the council exploits parents rushing children to hospital, noting the authority issued a Section 114 notice declaring effective bankruptcy in September 2023. He has submitted a Freedom of Information request to determine total parking revenue from the hospital vicinity and demanded every penny be donated to the Birmingham Children’s Hospital charitable trust.
Council defends enforcement
Birmingham City Council maintained that parking restrictions prevent commuters from occupying spaces needed by patients and visitors. A spokesperson said the council considers individual circumstances when a fine is challenged by someone attending the hospital.
