Drivers refunded after traffic wardens issued fines for cars parked on snow-covered double yellow lines

This is the moment a traffic warden was caught ticketing parked cars – by kicking snow off double yellow lines.

Pensioner Anthony Wilkinson, 70, captured two officials as they slapped penalty notices on dozens of cars during the cold snap in November 2010.

The law states parking tickets can only be issued if the double yellow lines are visible.

Mr Wilkinson claimed he caught two traffic wardens shuffling the snow away with their feet before putting penalty tickets on the car windows to make it appear the lines could be seen.

Despite not being issued a ticket himself, Mr Wilkinson has successfully battled against the fines which were issued by Nottingham City Council.

After viewing his footage of the underhand wardens, all the drivers who were issued a ticket outside Mr Wilkinson’s home in Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, were told they could get a refund.

Mr Wilkinson, who was today told his appeal against the fines had finally been accepted, said: "I think it has highlighted a possible culture of deception and disdain for the public among the employees of the parking industry.

"When I saw the footage on my cameras I just thought to myself ‘no, it is wrong’. I couldn’t believe what I saw. How sneaky and underhand can you get?"

The council today admitted the wardens - employed by private firm NSL - should not have issued the penalty tickets.

A council spokesman said: "We instruct the civil enforcement officers that they must be able to see the lines and the windscreen in order to be able to issue.

"This would normally cover snow, standing water, frost, leaves and similar.

"It is clear the penalty charge notices should not have been issued.

"The conduct of the civil enforcement officers was not and would never be condoned by Nottingham City Council.

"In this instance the enforcement was certainly not fair or accurate and was not consistent with the high standards of enforcement expected."

The council no longer uses NSL and its own staff now enforce parking regulations.

A spokesman from NSL said: "This incident was bought to our attention in January 2011, not long after it took place. The matter was dealt with in accordance with our usual processes and appropriate action was taken."