A DISABLED pensioner from Sidcup has blasted Bexley Council for ordering him to fork out £110 before he can contest a parking fine.

Blue badge holder Bruce Pittman parked his silver VW car in his regular spot in Jenner Close while he nipped into Iceland supermarket.

The 79-year-old returned to his car with his shopping before having to go back into the store to buy some cheese.

When the arthritis sufferer came back for the second time he was shocked to discover a traffic warden hovering over his car.

Mr Pittman, of Langdon Shaw, Sidcup, said: "He was starting to write a ticket out and I said I’ve got a blue badge and thought Christ, it’s fallen off the dashboard, so I quickly retrieved it.

"Because I have difficulty getting out of my car the vibrations must have caused it to drop off.

"I’ve parked there for more than 20 years and never had a problem."

The retired joiner and builder, who cannot walk to the local shop due to his crippling arthritis in his left knee, contested the ticket from Wednesday, May 22.

But he was angry to discover Bexley Council’s reply which stated he had to pay £110 to formally challenge the fine.

Mr Pittman said: "The thing I don’t like is before you can talk formally to someone you’ve got to pay the full amount.

"I don’t think that’s right. It’s against human rights and unlawful."

The fine has now been overturned after News Shopper contacted Bexley Council for a comment on the issue.

A spokeswoman said: "Blue badge holders must display their badge as part of the conditions of use.

"However, we are committed to being as fair and transparent as possible and as part of reviewing our policies to make sure this happens, we have examined the circumstances again and will be withdrawing the Penalty Charge Notice as a gesture of goodwill.

"At the same time, we will be advising the motorist that we will be unable to withdraw a further notice if this happens again."