A DRIVER is threatening to sue Southend Council for “stress” after being hit with more than £400 in fines because he parked on faded double yellow lines.

David Lamprell believes he is taking advantage of a legal loophole to squeeze his car into a “gap” in the markings opposite his home.

Images taken by traffic wardens show the 39-year-old’s Ford Fiesta parked on a small patch where two double yellow lines have faded.

The mechanical engineer claims that because the markings have been “broken’”the restrictions are invalid.

Following his sixth £70 penalty charge notice in three months, he sent Southend Council a strongly-worded email to demand an apology.

Southend Council said “faded yellow lines do not mean the restriction is not valid”.

David, from Southend, said: “I’m not trying to avoid the law, I’m actually sticking to the law.

“People think ‘they’re double yellow lines and that’s the end of it’ and you can’t fight the system, but I’ve dealt with the system for a long time now.

“I looked at the law and it says if the double yellow line is broken then I can park on it, so I parked on it.

“It’s just frustrating because it’s draining my time.

“If the law states you can’t get a ticket for being on double yellow lines, then you can’t. No matter what they try to push on you, you have to let them know that they’re not right.

“People don’t understand my situation. I don’t have anywhere else to park, so I had to find somewhere to park.

“They’re not getting a penny from me. I’ve dealt with people before and I’ve been pushed over.

I’ve learned every single time what I can and can’t do.

“That’s what the courts are there for and I’d be confident that, if it got to that, I’d be fine.

I’ve not got a single worry about that.”

He added that when it goes to court the first thing he will do “is put in a counterclaim for the same amount”.

The council contacted David earlier this week to explain “a borough cannot be expected to have immaculate lines in all places”.

Ron Woodley, cabinet member for transport, said “Faded yellow lines do not mean that the restriction is not valid and as such penalty charge notices (PCNs) can be issued.

“The issuing of PCNs is not discretionary and if a civil enforcement officer feels that a vehicle is in breach of a parking law, then a PCN may be issued.

“We cannot comment publicly on any individual’s personal case. We have a robust system in place for motorists to challenge penalty charge notices, including a stage where an independent adjudicator will review all of the evidence provided.”