A VISITOR to Bewdley says he will not return to the town after he was slapped with a parking fine in an area with no restriction signs.

Biker, Martin Travis, of Wolverhampton, parked his motorbike beside the river on Severnside South, on Sunday, May 23, while he went for breakfast at Wetherspoons.

But when the 46-year-old returned to his bike after about an hour, he was faced with a £70 fine.

Mr Martin explained he had scanned the area for restriction signs before parking but said there were none. He also claimed to have parked outside the yellow lines in the middle of the cobbled walkway.

“I visit Bewdley regularly,” said Mr Martin, “Bunches of bikers go out there when the weather’s nice. I was parked just off the bridge. Bikers have always parked there.

“I was very upset about the fine, particularly because I had checked to see whether there were any parking restrictions. I don’t mind paying for parking but it was clearly not restricted.”

Mr Martin added that the fine had been slapped directly on to the paintwork of his one-week-old bike, leaving a mark.

“I was even more annoyed at the way It had been attached to the bike,” he explained, “I’m not sure whether the mark’s going to come out.

“I challenged the officer and was extremely rudely told to put it in writing and she turned her back and walked away. I could not believe the total lack of care and concern shown by the officer.”

He added: “I won’t be returning to Bewdley again. It will not be on the map. I was going to stay in the town for quite some time and wander around the shops but I just left because the fine ruined it.

“It’s a market town, which relies on tourism. I think people will stop coming if they’re getting fined and treated in that way.”

He added that he would be appealing against the fine.

Conservative councillor, Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council's cabinet member for housing and environmental services, said: “We understand the driver is planning to appeal and, therefore, we cannot comment on this individual case."