A pensioner has won a victory against Epsom and Ewell Borough Council after his parking fine was quashed following a row over 20 pence.

Trevor Davies, 67, from Sutton, was left with a £50 fine and threatened with debt collectors after he was caught short for the remaining 20 pence of a £3.20 parking charge while visiting Epsom.

Taking his chances Mr Davies put £3 in the machine only to find a ticket on his return.

Apologetic, Mr Davies returned to the council the following morning with a letter of apology and a 20 pence piece hoping to pay what he owned.

But the council refused to accept his payment and instead reduced his fine by 20 pence and asked for £24.80 which then rose to £49.80 after the 14 day notice period.

Now, after the Epsom Guardian approached the ouncil about the fine, Mr Davies has had his fine revoked.

He said: "I’m thankful but still angry that they have taken it this far and that it needed the press to be involved to bring them to their senses.

"Other pensioners who may be in this situation in the future may just pay and won’t dispute it.

"It was ridiculous because 20p seems crazy, especially as I went in the next day.

"I had no intention of trying to get out of paying the parking charge."

A spokesperson for the council said: "Whilst we appreciate the situation, the penalty charge was correctly issued in accordance with the Traffic Management Act 2004.

"As money is paid into the ticket machines they display the expiry time so it is up to car park users to ensure they have inserted the correct amount.

"Following a review of Mr Davies’s case, the council have decided to withdraw all the charges as a gesture of good will."