A SHOPPER received a £50 parking fine – despite having almost half an hour left on his ticket.

Malcolm Noble, 66, of Green Lane, Leigh, paid 50p for an hour’s parking in Ceylon Road, Westcliff, to do Christmas shopping in Southend.

Despite having until 11.16am to return to his car, he was fined at 10.29am.

After driving off at 10.45am, the hapless shopper said he did not spot the penalty notice on his windscreen until he was halfway home – where he discovered it had been issued because the warden could not see the time on the ticket clearly.

He said: “The ticket was clearly stuck in my window. I’ve done nothing wrong, but I’ve been hit by a fine and I worry that if they get away with this they can use it against anyone.”

Southend Council parking manager Derek Kenyon said: “There is a set procedure laid down by the Department of Transport for people to follow if they wish to challenge a penalty charge notice for parking.

“The registered owner of the vehicle needs to write to the council explaining their challenge and enclosing any supporting evidence. We will then consider the matter.”