PARKING tickets handed to a Swindon driver have been torn up, after a drawn out dispute.

Roger Baker and his friends parked their cars on Harding Street in Swindon for 50 minutes on May 12 this year.

Despite no markings being visible, both parked cars were slapped with tickets.

But after a long legal battle the council has now rescinded the tickets.

"I parked my car, and my friends parked theirs, at about 9pm," said Mr Baker. "We returned to the cars at around 9.50pm to find both had parking tickets.

"The double yellow lines had been erased and it was difficult to see any road markings."

Mr Baker challenged the tickets in writing but heard nothing back.

After 10 days of no response Mr Baker took actions into his own hands and phoned the council direct.

He said: "I'm a parish councillor so I know my rights.

"When we spoke on the phone I was told You have to pay, you've contravened a parking law'.

"That was when I was told if I didn't then I'd go to court."

Not happy with what he heard, Mr Baker contacted the council's transport department on May 27 who visited the site and confirmed that the markings and signage at the site were wrong.

"I spoke to the highways officer and after they investigated they came back to me and said You're quite within your rights,'" said Mr Baker.

"The sign said no parking between 9.30pm and 4.30am except taxis', when in fact it should say no waiting'.

"I eventually had the tickets rescinded."

Mr Baker's main concern was how many other people had suffered the same fate. He said: "The road's been like that for 18 months.

"It's something the council needs to sort.

"If I didn't inquire about it I'd have to pay.

"I only contested as I know my rights.

"But I think that Joe Public would have just paid the fine without question.

"At £35 to £75 a time that is a lot of money."

A spokesman for Swindon Council said: "We understood Mr Baker's point when he made it to us.

"And we have cancelled his ticket on the basis that the lining and signing was not clear.

"We will investigate further if this applies to other people."