A PLUMBER is being driven round the U-bend while trying to fight a parking fine imposed on him for using a goods bay to load his work vehicle.

Simcha Sander, 23, of Priory Field Court, Edgware, was using a stockist in Finchley when he parked his car, registered as a goods vehicle, in an area designated for loading.

He claims his Vauxhall Astra is clearly marked with branding of the company he works for and it would have been obvious it was visiting the Plumbwise shop, in Regents Park Road, to collect goods.

He said: “I was only there a few minutes when the warden turned up, gave me a ticket and drove off on his moped.

“I was going to be loading products from the shop into my vehicle, so it is not as if I was parked there for no reason.

“I didn't even think to check for a ticket because there was nothing to suggest on the sign that I wasn't allowed to park there.”

Barnet Council officials said traffic wardens have to be satisfied there is a “constant” loading or unloading of a vehicle before deciding whether to impose a fine.

The council said Mr Sander was given a ticket for parking in a loading bay as he did not appear to be loading goods during the time that the warden was observing the vehicle, adding that “loading bays are specifically designated for use by people coming in and out of a business premises to either deliver or pick up goods”.

But the council's website lists six of reasons why it enforces parking restrictions.

The website says parking management measures, such as parking places and waiting restrictions, are introduced in order to provide parking for specific users such businesses, increase the turnover of parking to help clients of businesses, and to provide facilities for loading and unloading.

Mr Sander said those guidelines are set to help him and so is confused as to why he has been fined £50.

“Three of the six things listed are for my benefit so it feels weird that I have been fined,” he said.

“It does seem ridiculous that the restrictions are to help small businesses yet this doesn't help me or the shop I was visiting.

“A fine of £50 is quite a lot of money when you are trying to watch every penny.”