A MECHANIC has blasted the “stupidity” of Barnet Council after it said a stretch of road marked for loading is not actually a loading bay.

Mick Murphy, who owns Murphy Motors, in Arkley, was hauling heavy equipment into his car outside Barnet Motor Factors, in High Barnet, in December, when an officious warden gave him a fine.

The 53-year-old launched an appeal but was stunned when this was rejected – because they do not believe he was actually loading.

Meanwhile the authority also say that while loading is permitted there between 9.30am and 5pm and 6.30pm to 8am on weekdays – it is not actually a loading bay.

Mr Murphy, of Bells Hill, Barnet, said: “I was gone for less than 35 seconds so I was fuming when I got the ticket. It was a Saturday morning and regardless, I was there at 11am so well within the loading times.

“I wrote to them and explained the error of their ways but I was so shocked when the appeal was rejected. You can imagine how I was feeling. I couldn’t believe the stupidity of it all.

“It’s a bit silly. It’s shambolic. I did nothing wrong at all. How can they say it’s not a loading bay when clearly, you are allowed to load there on certain times?”

Mr Murphy was also left confused by the fact that the bay had a yellow line through it, so he tracked down the borough's parking map which designates the area as a loading bay.

He claims his case was refused even though he sent Barnet Council evidence including an invoice proving he was loading.

Earlier this month, the case was thrown out by a court – who only agreed to revoke extra costs – and it has now been sent to an independent adjudicator.

He added: “I am angry Barnet Council are giving out illegal tickets in this way at this location.

“Most people after losing an appeal they’d cut their losses and pay for it, but I know I am right so want to go the whole way. They disregarded all of our letters and kept ignoring my point.

“I’m going to keep standing my ground. There must be people who have been done at the same place but haven’t gone through with the appeal.

“The council are wasting their time on something which is very clear cut. The paperwork they sent us must have been an inch thick – it’s total stupidity.

“They are just trying to take advantage of people.”

The Times Series has requested comment from Barnet Council.

Jamie Blake, commissioning director for the environment, said: “The car involved in this incident was parked on a single yellow line in a controlled parking zone during restricted parking hours.

“There is no loading bay on this stretch of road, as was made clear by the photographic evidence, however loading and unloading is permitted during certain hours.

“It is vital that any motorist provides us with evidence that they were loading or unloading at the relevant time.

“The court order revoked the order of recovery and charge certificate, but it did not cancel the original penalty charge notice. It sent the case to the independent adjudicator at London Tribunals, and their decision is binding on both parties.”