A Chelmsford man who represented NHS staff battling a private parking firm over fines failed in his bid to have the fines overturned.

Barry Beavis, who launched a campaign against parking firms after losing his own battle in court, represented nurses, doctors and carers at the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, after they racked up penalty charges of nearly £13million from car park operator Indigo.

Mr Beavis, 49, owner of the Happy Haddock, in Morris Avenue, Billericay, says there is inadequate room for staff in the hospital’s multiple car parks and tickets have been slapped on staff cars as their shifts overrun.

He said: “I lost a high-profile parking case which went to the Supreme Court and since I have advised Government and represented a couple of people in court with some success. These tickets were issued in May last year.

"The trust issued 8,500 permits for 1,800 parking spaces. That’s five permits per space even taking into account holidays and shifts. The scheme is unfit for purpose.”

The ruling by District Judge Clare Coates came on Friday after a three-day hearing at Cardiff Civil Justice Centre.

A spokesman for Indigo said it acted against a “small group of persistent offenders” with the support of the health board.