London's parking campaigner gets a ticket herself

The woman heading an investigation into parking in London has been handed an "unfair" ticket.

Lynne Featherstone parked in Marylebone High Street on 3 January, a bank holiday Monday when restrictions were not in force.

But when the chairwoman of the London Assembly transport-committee returned to her car there was a £100 fine on the windscreen. She challenged the parking attendant, who said she had left her car in a bay that had been suspended.

Ms Featherstone, who launches her London parking probe tomorrow, said: "This is exactly the kind of thing that drives motorists mad."

The committee will cross-examine leading figures from the enforcement industry including Bob MacNaughton, chief executive of contract giant NCP, which provides attendants to councils including Westminster where Ms Featherstone was booked. Members will look at whether restrictions are properly signed; how fines revenue is spent; the number of penalties issued and vehicles clamped and towed, and the instructions given to attendants.

"This is not a witch-hunt against councils - it is a look at the fairness of a system that should help London work," said Ms Featherstone.

"I totally support enforcement of parking and regulations, but there is a feeling among motorists right now that parking may be used as a revenue-raising exercise."

The committee will make formal recommendations next month.