The truth about parking fines and secrets every driver must know to avoid paying

It's one of the most frustrating things that can happen to drivers - returning to their car to find a parking fine slapped to the windscreen. It's even worse if motorists don't think they've done anything wrong.

But people have now been told the things they must do immediately when they discover that parking fine, and not to leave it too late. These tips will give them the best chance of avoiding a fine if they lodge an appeal, when they genuinely think they have been unfairly or harshly punished.

Exclusive figures we have obtained show motorists stand a fairly good chance of overturning penalties if they can back up their claims they haven't done anything wrong. This is despite many not bothering to appeal because of the hassle or belief they won't win.

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So it's crucial that motorists know these tips to improve their chances. The most important thing to do is document the scene immediately, as tempting as it might be to just drive away in a fit of anger.

Take pictures using your phone of everything that could be relevant, such as signs, faulty or not working parking meters, the time or anything else that parking attendants may have missed or got wrong.

Having picture evidence will significantly increase your chances of winning an appeal. This is also the case if you think you have been unfairly punished, perhaps when dropping someone off or in the event of a medical emergency.

Figures given to us last year showed a huge 69% of parking appeals (4,280 out of 6,181) in Sandwell were successful since the start of 2021 - over two thirds. The rate was also fairly high in Walsall and Dudley, at 45% and 43% respectively.

This highlights the fact it is always worth appealing if you think you have done nothing wrong or have a genuine reason for being parked where you were.