UK Driver Fined for Parking After Hitting Pothole & Tire Blowout

ALFRETON, UK – A driver in Derbyshire, England, received a parking ticket after his tyre burst due to a pothole, forcing him to stop in a no-parking zone. The incident has sparked outrage and questions about local council policies regarding road maintenance and enforcement.

Matt Fellows, a resident of Newton, explained that his vehicle’s tyre was damaged after hitting a pothole on Cragg Lane. He was then compelled to pull over on High Street in Alfreton, an area where parking is prohibited. Upon returning to his vehicle, he discovered a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for £70 (approximately $88 USD) affixed to his windshield.

“It’s absolutely ridiculous, truly appalling,” Fellows told the BBC on February 7, 2026. “We were in the wrong place, yes, but that was because our car was broken down. It’s just incredibly frustrating to come back and find a ticket on the vehicle.”

The sequence of events began when Fellows and his partner, Sadie Elliott, were travelling along Cragg Lane. They initially struck a significant pothole but did not immediately recognize the extent of the damage to their tyre. As they continued driving in central Alfreton, Fellows steered towards the curb to allow passage for a police vehicle travelling with emergency lights activated. It was at this point that the weakened tyre finally burst.

“We knew we’d hit a pothole. There was a loud bang at the time, but we weren’t aware the tyre was damaged,” Fellows stated. He acknowledged that stopping on the pavement was not ideal but emphasized his intention to clear a path for the emergency vehicle.

A mechanic who examined photographs of the damaged tyre confirmed that the damage was consistent with impact from a pothole. While awaiting roadside assistance, Fellows and Elliott sought shelter in a local café to escape the cold weather. Upon their return, they were confronted with the unexpected parking ticket.

“We thought having a flat tyre and hazard lights on would be sufficient, but apparently not,” Fellows said. The ticket was issued on January 23, 2026 and Fellows immediately filed an appeal.

This incident occurs amidst growing concerns about the state of roads in the United Kingdom. Recent reports highlight a nationwide issue with pothole damage, exacerbated by harsh winter weather conditions. The BBC reports that potholes are a recurring issue across the country, with numerous drivers experiencing tyre damage and vehicle repairs.

On January 15, 2026, the BBC reported on extensive repairs being undertaken on Bridewell Lane in Oxfordshire, where potholes were measured at 20 meters long and up to 19 centimeters deep, causing “daily” tyre punctures for local residents. Residents reported repair costs exceeding £300 per incident.

Elsewhere, on January 22, 2026, a driver on the M1 motorway near Sheffield experienced a tyre blowout after hitting a pothole, resulting in the closure of three lanes and significant traffic delays. The driver, Adrian Hargreaves, reported feeling an “almighty bang” that “shuddered up” his spine, causing approximately £150 of damage to his vehicle.

The Department for Transport (DfT) recently released a new mapping tool and traffic light rating system to assess the condition of potholes across the country, as reported by Oxfordshire County Council. The council stated it is assessing information from the DfT to address wider issues related to road maintenance.

The situation in Derbyshire echoes a broader national debate about funding for road repairs and the balance between enforcement of parking regulations and consideration for extenuating circumstances. The case of Matt Fellows raises questions about the responsiveness of local authorities to infrastructure failures and the potential for compassionate application of parking rules when vehicles are disabled due to road defects.

The incident also highlights the financial burden placed on drivers due to poor road conditions. With repair costs for tyre damage and wheel alignment potentially running into hundreds of pounds, as experienced by residents in Oxfordshire and Matt Fellows, the cumulative impact of potholes represents a significant economic strain.

As of February 8, 2026, the outcome of Fellows’ appeal remains pending. The case is likely to draw further attention to the state of roads in Derbyshire and the wider issue of pothole damage across the United Kingdom.