Bedford Driving Lessons

Thousands of motorists stung by parking fines after being photographed by cars with periscope-mounted cameras could get refunds after a landmark legal ruling. Unless councils put up signs warning motorists the recently introduced Smart cars are in operation, the tickets are invalid, a tribunal ruled. Councils are using the cars to target illegal parking, removing the need for traffic wardens or parking attendants to put a ticket on a windscreen. Instead, drivers who park illegally have their car photographed and receive their fine through the post. The ruling came after Rachel Johnson received three £60 fines as a result of pictures taken by the ‘spy camera’. Miss Johnson, 34, who runs an off licence in New Brighton, Merseyside, told how she challenged Wirral Borough Council over the use of one of the cars. She said: ‘We were issued with three parking tickets in the same week. ‘It was outrageous. The car was parked for no longer than ten minutes outside our shop, which is legitimate practice when dropping off cash or delivering heavy loads. ‘It is absolutely disgusting that the council are using such sneaky tactics to issue fines. There should be clear signs notifying motorists that cameras are in operation.’ More