A WIRRAL man was shocked to receive a parking fine from the borough's "spy car" – because, he claims, he was driving at the time.

Denis Barton, from Moreton, was charged £35 for parking his van on zig-zag lines in Wallasey Village Road, Wallasey, last December.

But the 64-year-old claims he was in fact driving at the time and preparing to turn left into a side road when the Smart Car snapped him.

He said he was around 3ft away from the curb and was braking, but was not parked up.

However Mr Barton was told by council officials that if he appealed the charge and lost, then the fine could escalate to more than £100.

Mr Barton said: "I would understand the fine if I was breaking the law and parking on zig-zag lines because that is obviously a punishable offence.

"But my vehicle was still moving at the time. I had my indicator flashing to turn left and my brake lights were on so I don't know why that could look like I was parked illegally.

"I have seen the still image that the camera took but it only captured part of the van and to me, it is very clear that I am not parked up.

"I paid the fine because I didn't want to end up paying a lot more but I just want other drivers to be aware that this sort of thing is happening."

The surveillance car, which was brought in three years ago, has caused resentment among some drivers who say it intrudes on their privacy.

A council spokesman said the authority was satisfied Mr Barton's fine met regulations.

He said: "Based on the evidence, we are satisfied that the decision to issue a fixed penalty notice in this instance was the correct one.

"If the motorist is unhappy with this decision then he has the option to ask an independent adjudicator to review his case."