AN Accrington man is championing the cause of drivers caught out by ticket-happy traffic wardens.

Tim Hothersall, of Whalley Road, has formed an action group called Motorists Against Persecution (MAP).

He has vowed to follow traffic wardens around at the weekends, checking whether they are issuing tickets fairly. And he has called for volunteers to help him film the wardens with video cameras in a bid to root out those who are flouting the law.

He spoke out this week after he received a parking ticket on Saturday. Angry Tim insists the ticket was issued when his Renault was parked in a legitimate space at the rear of his flat.

He said: "I have parked my car there since 1998 and never had any problems before. There are no lines or signs in the street.

"Because I live in the town centre, I see these things going on all the time.

"I have studied traffic law down to a fine art and have fought them on it so many times. It has just become a practical joke.

"I asked the warden why he gave me a ticket and he just ignored me.

"The problem is it's not worth appealing, as all the legal costs could cost you twice as much."

Tim, a machine repairer, added: "I would welcome people monitoring these wardens with cameras from a distance because I guarantee they could catch them issuing illegal tickets.

"They have got to obey the law like us. They either need monitoring or getting rid of.

"A while ago there were no wardens and the police would issue tickets to the odd idiot who parked in a ridiculous place. But what's happening now is crazy. It's just another form of tax.

"The people of Accrington are not charged for parking but they are trying to get more revenue from the motorist. It is a sneaky way of doing it."

He disputed claims that the wardens were not set targets, saying: "They are running a business and they can't make a profit or exist if they're not set a target.

"It is a business at the end of the day and, as far as I am concerned, if the wardens aren't making a profit - if they are not making at least more than they are paid in wages - they will get sacked or the business will fold."

Tim can be contacted by e-mail at Wardens@map.gbol.org

In another incident this week a disabled Accrington couple claimed they had been given a £60 parking fine after displaying their permit upside down.