MOTORISTS can now appeal parking tickets over the telephone under new regulations introduced this week.

More than six out of 10 appeals against parking fines are successful and drivers are likely to find it easier to contest their fines by taking part in telephone conference calls with an independent adjudicator.

But motorists also face higher fines for certain offences as new laws are introduced. For example, the fine for parking in a disabled bay or bus lane will go up by £10 to £70.

Appeals will now come under the control of the independent, Manchester-based Traffic Penalty Tribunal, which took over from the National Parking Adjudication Service this week and will rule on all British appeals outside London. Chief adjudicator Caroline Sheppard said: "The current problem with the appeal system is that very few motorists appear to realise they can appeal at all.

"It is important that people know that they have the right to appeal to an independent adjudicator if they want to continue to challenge a penalty after the council has rejected their case and says they should pay."

More than 60 per cent of appeals are successful, according to the latest figures.

A Manchester Council spokesman said: "The council has been actively involved in promoting telephone hearings in a pilot scheme. We believe this facility has been a great success and we would encourage other authorities to follow this approach."

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