'It's not a fine, it's extortion'

Jim, 85, wins battle with parking firm after he overpaid by 10p

- Izzy Hawksworth and Olivia Bridge

A PENSIONER has been awarded a payout after taking a car parking company to court over 10p.

Jim Hibbert, 85, went shopping and paid for the 50p parking using three 20p coins.

As he did not have 50p in change, he was unconcerned about the remaining 10p until a parking charge notice said he owed £100, or £60 if it was paid within two weeks.

He proved that he paid more than the required amount but Smart Parking then gave him a reduced fine of £20 for providing the "incorrect vehicle registration".

The pensioner wrote back in January last year and said he entered his registration number correctly.

When another letter from a debt recovery agency demanded £170, Jim made a claim at Manchester County Court and he studied for months to represent himself.