Elderly German man ‘fined for sitting at bus stop’

  • Officials in Dusseldorf have pledged to investigate claims that city workers issued a fine to an 85-year-old man for sitting at a bus stop
  • Man’s friend said he was out walking when he sat down for eight minutes to rest
  • He posted an image of the fine online with the caption ‘have you lost your mind?’
  • City spokesman said it is possible workers could have thought he was homeless 

German authorities are investigating after an 85-year-old dementia sufferer was reportedly issued with a fine for resting on a bus stop bench.

Officials in the city of Dusseldorf have promised to provide answers after the man’s friend posted an image of the fine online, causing outrage.

The man, who was quoted by DW, said his elderly friend regularly walks his 15-year-old dog in the area and stops at the bus stop to rest.

Authorities in Dusseldorf have pledged to investigate after a man complained that his 85-year-old friend, who has dementia, was issued with this fine for resting at a bus stop

After sitting at the bus stop for eight minutes on November 14 the elderly walker was issued with a £30 fine, his friend claimed.

He even posted an image of the alleged fine on Twitter, along with the caption: ‘HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?

’85-year-old dementia sufferer given 35 Euro penalty fine because he had to rest for 8 minutes at the bus stop at the main station. RESIST!’

The letter says because the man was not catching public transport, he should not have been using up seats meant for passengers.

City workers said it was possible that the man had been mistaken for a vagrant or a drunk and been issued with the notice for taking up room meant for passengers (file image)

City workers said it was possible that the man had been mistaken for a vagrant or a drunk and been issued with the notice for taking up room meant for passengers (file image)

While some questions have been raised over whether the fine is genuine, Dusseldorf’s official Twitter account pledged to look into it.

‘If an error has been made, the fine will naturally be withdraw,’ the message said.

A city spokeswoman told the Rheinische Post that if the man had been mistaken for a vagrant or a drunk, then he might have been issued with a fine in error.

City workers regularly check bus stops around the city for improper use, especially around the train station, the spokesman added. 

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