A COUPLE have been left stunned after receiving a speeding fine in Manchester – despite being over 1,500 miles away in Spain.
Gary Thornburn and Clare Beards, from Leeds, jetted off for a 13-day holiday, leaving their car with staff at Manchester Airport as part of their Meet and Greet parking scheme on 3 August.
Having enjoyed two weeks of sun, they were shocked to receive a prosecution letter from police on 16 August over a speeding offence in Manchester.
The letter, dated 10 August, says that their car was snapped going 55mph in a 30 zone, two days after they had left the country.
Attached to the letter were photographs which showed a similar car with the same number plate as theirs committing the offence.
The couple contacted the police immediately and explained that they hadn't even been in the country at the time but have not yet heard back.
Gary and Clare told Manchester Evening News: "We had dropped the car off at Terminal 3 on Wednesday 3rd, at around 10pm. I knew they would transport it elsewhere to a safe location.
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"We used the official meet and greet firm as we wanted to make sure the car was looked after because it was very expensive.
"I wouldn't have ever thought somebody would've been driving around in it going at such a speed. Its a criminal offence and extremely dangerous going 55mph in a 30 zone."
However, airport officials insist that the car remained at the parking compound where it was left for the entirety of the couple's trip.
A spokesman for Manchester Airport confirmed that the car had been left with staff and that they were aware of Gary and Clare's situation.
"We understand this would be distressing for the customer concerned, and launched an immediate investigation after being notified," he said.
"This investigation has indicated the car that was booked in with us remained in a secure storage area until it was collected by the customer on their return. The key to the vehicle was also securely stored throughout."
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“Further investigations indicate the vehicle shown in the speed camera image is different to the one that was left with us.
He finished by confirming that the airport had attempted to contact the couple to discuss the ordeal and would assist police with their enquiries.
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