A Croydon dad has started covering up his number plate with tape to stop the council sending him more traffic fines.

Wayne Robson has so far received at least five tickets for entering a restricted area near West Croydon Station, despite living within an exemption zone.

He said he has now “lost count” of how many he is contesting and has received another letter threatening further action.

So far one has been cancelled, he said.

The 50-year-old who lives in Hood Close said he registered his car in mid-August but in September traffic fines started landing on his doormat.

So far he has received four, one of which he paid out of fear it would increase.

He lives in one of the Croydon Healthy Neighbourhoods ,which drivers face a fine of up to £130 fine for entering which is discounted to £65 if paid within 14 days.

The aim is to reduce cars using side streets as ‘rat runs’.

The London bus driver said: “I actually registered, so I thought it was hunky dory and I went for weeks without any problem then suddenly they started coming through.

"They sent out leaflets to say we are exempt so why do they send out fines to an address that is in the exemption zone?”

In recent weeks he has been covering his number plate as he fears more fines will keep coming through.

Mr Robson said: “I’ve started covering my number plate with tape, it is absolutely ridiculous, I’ve got to go that way every day.

"I am still waiting to find out whether I have to pay the fines, I would be absolutely livid if I did.”

And the dad said just registering his car was difficult as the website kept on crashing.

He even went to the Croydon Council offices in the hopes of speaking to someone from parking services but was told to email the general address.

He said: “I sent something and I’ve had no response. It is so frustrating I just want to talk to someone.

"If they draw maps which say people are exempt they shouldn’t be sending fines out to them.

“Now I am having to fight them, we’ve got to go through all this stress to get it cancelled, it would be a massive relief when they cancel them. People shouldn’t be put through this stress.”

Croydon Council disputes Mr Robson’s claim he applied for a permit in August saying he was issued one on September 22.

The authority claims he received a fine before this was issued and two after which were cancelled.

A council spokesperson said: “We continue to encourage all residents who live within the Healthy Neighbourhood exemption area to apply for their permit as soon as possible to avoid any PCNs.

"If someone believes they have been incorrectly issued a PCN, they may appeal through the regular process.”