A photographer may be able to appeal against a parking ticket he received because of a bizarre loophole in the law.

Snapper Eddie Mitchell, from The Argus, Brighton, thought he would have to pay the fine until he discovered that unless parking attendants are wearing their hats at the time of issuing a ticket, the fine becomes invalid.

Eddie said: "I was bemoaning my luck to another attendant when he asked me if the attendant was wearing his hat. When I said no he said I wouldn't have to pay."

Council spokeswoman Julie Harris said: "Terms of employment for attendants states that they must be in proper uniform when they issue tickets. That includes a hat on their head.

"We don't want anyone going round issuing bogus tickets so we ensure attendants can be properly identified.

"Attendants can take off their hats but must wear them when they issue tickets or the tickets are invalid. Of course, those drivers who appeal will have to prove the attendant was hatless."

Eddie said: "I can't believe it. I'm going to fight my fine now.

"I wonder how many other motorists are unaware of this and how much it could cost the council."

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