A Wimbledon man has won a parking tribunal against a Merton Council parking ticket because a sign was not clearly visible from a car.

John Rubinstein was shocked to find his decision to park his car in Herbert Road had cost him £110.

That's because he claimed the sign on the corner of Alexandra Road and the A219 alerting motorists to the parking restrictions in the area can't be clearly seen from a car. So he appealed the fine.

He wrote in his appeal: "On the basis of what signage there was in Herbert Road, and unaware that it was in a controlled zone, I mistakenly assumed that the parking restrictions operated for single yellow lines from 8.30am to 6.30pm.

"Try seeing those signs with a crowded and traffic laden bridge, with all the impediments, traffic lights, pedestrian crossing, exit of cab rank and exit from the station forecourt at night."

Despite Mr Rubinstein's claims, the council decided the uphold its decision to fine him.

"Upon entry to this zone there are clear signs displayed to advise members of the public of the restricted hours," council's notice of rejection letter read.

"I note your comments that when you entered the road you found an unsigned stretch of single yellow line parking in Herbert Road and that there were no signage on the road in which you parked,"

"I must advise that the signs governing single yellow lines are not always nearby.

"It is unfortunate that you were unfamiliar with the rules that were in force. However, it is still up to drivers to be aware of signs and road marking and obey them."

That didn't stop Mr Rubinstein though as he took the matter further.

After an independent review of the case, Mr Rubinstein was cleared of any wrong-doing.

The adjudicator in the case, Carl Teper said he "considered the evidence and I find that the signage at the point the appellant entered this zone was obstructed from view on one side and not sufficiently clear on the left hand side."

Mr Rubinstein said this could be a win for others who were put in his predicament.

"He (Mr Teper) has not specified on what basis, but it may be concluded from the basis on which he has concluded this that the signage is not fit for purpose," he said.

"That means anyone who has been given a ticket in circumstances similar to me in Zone W4, whose appeals may be proceeding should be made aware of this decision."