An elderly man who missed a digit from his number plate and was fined for a stay in a free car park has branded the decision "ridiculous".

Smart Parking, which manages the Erith Riverside car park, fined 77-year-old Christopher Hogg for a 40-minute stay in a free car park because he missed out one digit on his number plate.

Mr Hogg, a retired engineer, said he had forgot his glasses and thought it was a mistake anybody could make.

He said it was a ridiculous reason to fine, but it was only after a woman got fined for entering O instead of 0 he realised these mistakes were being made by others.

Mr Hogg, of Elm Grove, said: "We use the car park weekly, we had gone there to do shopping. It is really ridiculous they've stung me.

"I paid the fine because I didn't want any hassle, but it is the principle of the thing.

"If it was a double yellow I would understand and wouldn't mind paying.

"It's common sense, it's a free car park and I had attempted to get a ticket. I use it every week and have never been fined for my parking before. It is a simple mistake, I just wonder how many others are being done like this."

Smart Parking won’t cancel fine for woman who typed O not 0 at Erith shopping centre

Mr Hogg said he and his wife of 50 years Brunhilde use the car park, which is free for three hours, when they go shopping every week because it is easier to use if you have a trolley.

Mr Hogg said that on September 14 he entered his car registration of M348 GBC as M348 GC, putting his error down to forgetting his glasses and using a keypad that had pale lettering.

The couple are hesitant to use the car park again, and if they do Mr Hogg said he will be careful.

He said: "When I was sent it I was quite annoyed. I sent them a letter back but they told me I can either pay it or go to an ombudsman. Anyone can make these mistakes, as I'm sure you're finding out.

Smartparking fined Mr Hogg £60.

According to Smart Parking: "On site signage sets out the conditions under which a motorist is authorised to park, be that by payment of the appropriate paid parking tariff or by parking within a limited stay period or similar, and that a PCN will be payable, if the conditions are not met. We ensure signage is ample, clear visible and in line with the British Parking Association.

"Smart Parking has gained a vast amount of experience over many years of handling parking related appeals. It goes without saying that each appeal is individually assessed by a trained appeals assessor, who will review not only the site rules, but will apply a common sense approach."