A PENSIONER who won an appeal against a parking fine is accusing the council of pursuing him with "Mafia-like" zeal.

Bernard Newing was given the £80 parking ticket in October last year after parking in Queensway, Petts Wood.

The 70-year-old says a valid ticket was clearly displayed in the driver's side window. He immediately appealed the fine.

Bromley Council rejected his appeal so Mr Newing went to the Parking and Traffic Appeals Service - London's independent parking penalty tribunal.

As part of its evidence, the council provided photographs of Mr Newing's car to illustrate the absence of a ticket.

However, the pictures only show the front windscreen.

Mr Newing, of Hood Avenue, Orpington, said: "At any time the council could have withdrawn but it took it all the way.

"I am shocked at its arrogance and Mafia-like attitude.

"How many people have you seen who simply say I give up'. This what the council banks on.

"People should not capitulate when they know they are innocent. They should pursue every avenue."

This month, the appeals service ruled in favour of Mr Newing and instructed the council to cancel the fine.

But according to Mr Newing the reasons given by the appeals service are "waffle".

It says the appeal was granted on the grounds "the penalty exceeded the amount applicable in the circumstances of the case".

Mr Newing said: "This is like a politician's waffle and has no bearing on the evidence presented.

"As far as I'm aware, an £80 fine is standard. The amount was never in question.

"The adjudicator is only obliged to look at the evidence which is presented to them.

"If they had ruled properly on my appeal they would have ruled against the council.

"But they clearly didn't want to criticise the council, so it seems I was let off on a technicality."

An appeals service spokesman said: "The adjudicators are completely independent and there is no reason for them to issue a decision which looks to pacify a borough over a motorist.

"If Mr Newing is unhappy with the result of an appeal which has gone in his favour he is free to go back to the adjudicator."

A council spokesman said: "We abide by the decision and this shows the benefits to motorists of an independent appeals service.

"We recognise we have to enforce parking regulations and this is not always easy.

"We do make mistakes and motorists can be reassured when they feel they have a legitimate appeal they have two avenues in which to pursue it."