HUNDREDS of Wirral motorists may have received illegitimate fines because incorrectly and badly marked parking bays don't conform to strict road traffic sign legislation.

Wirral Residents Alliance member Dave Rimmer, from Ashburton Road, Wallasey, has investigated Wirral Council's action into the matter after complaining that resident parking bay markings outside his home were barely visible, yet people were still receiving tickets.

He has also visited other areas across Wirral to compare bays.

"Road traffic sign legislation is quite specific with the layout and size of road markings for controlled parking zones laid out by the Department of Transport," he said.

"Of the 20 to 30 roads I have examined not one zone conforms to the legislation and therefore renders any penalty notices issued un-enforcable.

"The law specifies that officers of authorities and authorities themselves, whether police or a local council, are bound by the law to a code of conduct in applying, enforcing or setting out restrictions within their areas.

"Therefore if the sign or markings have faded, or are not compliant then Wirral Council should not be issuing tickets."

A spokesman for Wirral Council said: "In residential parking zones in Liscard, stickers were placed on the road signs to cover the word 'residents' after the introduction of the visitors parking scheme.

"This was to avoid an additional cost to replacing all the signage across the zone.

"The sign now informs the public that the road is for 'permit holders only', and allows both residents and visitors displaying the appropriate permit to park there.

"Enforcement officers issue fixed penalty notices to vehicles not complying with parking regulations.

"Officers should only issue tickets after checking that road markings and signage is clear.

"If motorists do not agree with a parking ticket, a clear appeals process is in place and detailed on the ticket should they wish to contest the penalty.

"The council is aware that road markings on Ashburton Road need repainting and is investigating this road after information was provided by a member of the public."