Motorist's fury after he is handed bus lane fine for letting two fire engines past

A motorist was fined for pulling into a bus lane - having moved over to let two fire engines past.

Ian Pemble, 67, paid the £30 penalty after council officers sent him photos of his vehicle apparently flouting the law.

But he asked for further evidence and was sent a video which showed a fire engine racing past him seconds after he moved into the lane.

Angry Ian appealed against the fine and has now had his money back together with an apology from Bristol City Council.

They admitted that officers issued the penalty without fully considering the circumstances on the A4 in Bristol last month.

Ian, a music journalist, said: 'I knew I was in the area but I wasn't sure whether I had just nipped into the lane at the last moment.

'The pictures got me thinking about where they put the cameras and whether they are at the end purposefully to catch people out.

'I paid my fine. But I was so annoyed with them, and I know my rights, so I asked for more evidence.

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'And it was lucky I did because when they sent through the video, it clearly shows me moving out of the way of two fire engines.'

Ian, from St. Annes, Bristol, added: 'I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the video for the first time - it came as quite a surprise.

'I was absolutely delighted to find I was squeaky clean and a good boy. You can't have a better excuse than that.'

Council spokeswoman Kate Hartas said: 'The council is to refund Mr Pemble's penalty charge.

'The team have reviewed the footage, and it is clear that he had moved into the bus lane for a fire engine.

'Actions by motorists to allow access for emergency services occur regularly, and they are normally picked up when the footage is examined prior to a PCN being issued.

'However, it was missed in this instance in error. We will write to Mr Pemble to apologise.'

She added: 'Motorists who believe they have received a penalty in error should always appeal.

'The council is happy to review any case, and cancel the charge where appropriate.'