Yesterday Gloria parked in a space near Victoria and was dismayed to see a sign on the metre saying ‘mobile phone’ parking. Luckily a passer-by told her she could also pay with cash. She spent a few minutes near her vehicle getting change for her £2 coin. When she turned around, an attendant who had been hiding had issued her a ticket. She had only been in the space 4 minutes!

The worst was that the attendant was not in the usual bright yellow vest, but he was wearing a blue baseball hat and a grey jersey. It now seems that Westminster Council is trying to trick us by disguising attendants in dark clothes, making it difficult to identify them.

This kind of ‘entrapment’ is damaging the trust between Councils and London residents. These ‘bounty hunters’ are after fines, even from residents who are attempting to pay and to park legally. This is making London a very unfriendly place to live. Londoners feel they are being tricked into paying fines. It also shows a lack of respect for residents.

Many of us don’t carry mobile phones, and it would put a burden on us if metres turn into ‘mobile only’ zones. Also, I have heard complaints from residents who have not been successful in Paying by Phone. Add to this the fact that attendants now hide, what hope have residents?

With the downturn in the economy, this shocking behaviour is adding to the strain on London residents. The councils should wake up, otherwise, who wants to live in a city like this! Maybe Boris should come to the rescue! Help!