A DETERMINED pensioner, who used the same parking space for three years, has won a three-month battle to get a parking fine overturned.

Kenneth Pitcher of Wyatts Drive, Thorpe Bay, thought nothing of it when he regularly parked in the same space to make a regular trip to his chiropractor.

However, the 70-year-old said: “When I got back to my car in Lydford Road, Westcliff, this one time it was dark and I saw the fine. I went back the next day see if it had been my mistake, there were no signs on that side of the road.

“I told the council but they sent me pictures of my car and the sign that said parking was restricted, looking like I had parked close to the sign. I went back down there and saw the picture had been taken from 50 yards away. I was angry, it really irritated me.”

Mr Pitcher appealed and appealed and eventually, after three months, got a break through.

He said: “There should be a sign on both sides of the road. They kept pushing me to pay and telling me the fine was increasing. Some drivers would have just paid it. Not me, I just carried on.

“The fine increased from £35 to £90. Finally, I sent my own photos and evidence to the adjudicator and they dropped the case within two days and overturned my fine.

“My main gripe is that there should be signs on both sides of the road – there must be other drivers who get caught out as well.”

A council spokesman, said: “If motorists are unhappy they are able to appeal.”