Hope for drivers as fine is overruled

THOUSANDS of motorists challenging parking tickets issued in the West End could escape a fine after a legal ruling, it was claimed today.

The London Parking Adjudicator found that one of Westminster council's controlled parking zones north of Oxford Street was invalid because there were no signs warning drivers of the restrictions.

Parking campaigner Barrie Segal, who won the ruling on behalf of a delivery company, said it could set a precedent for thousands of motorists. "For years councils have unfairly penalised motorists for trivial contraventions and have said 'that's the law'. Well this is the law and the council failed to comply and must suffer the consequences," he said.

But Westminster council said it was considering an appeal against the ruling, and will continue to issue tickets to drivers who park on yellow lines in the zone.

Parking manager Kieran Fitsall added that "this case does not set a precedent" and said the council will not be installing a sign.