Bridgend: Don't use resident-only parking, warn fake tickets

Fake parking tickets have been left on vehicles, threatening drivers with bogus £70 fines.

Bridgend council believes they are either being left to prevent motorists parking in the street or as a practical joke.

The phoney notices included a local authority letterhead and came in yellow plastic bags with "penalty infringement notice" stamped on the outside.

The council is investigating, saying it could be seen as an attempted fraud.

It asked anyone who gets a notice that looks like it has errors to get in touch.

"Often, fake notices contain spelling mistakes and may not include information such as the specific charge for example," the council said.

"Whether the fake ticket has been created to prevent people from using a particular parking space or used as a practical joke it could still be construed as attempted fraud and could have very serious consequences."

Bridgend council shared a photograph of a fake notice, which states: "The warning serves as an official notice regarding the break of parking regulations.

"Please take immediate action to familiarize [sic] yourself with and adhere to the parking regulations within our community."

The notice then claims immediate action is required, asking the motorist to "refrain from parking in resident-only areas without the appropriate authorization [sic]".

The fake ticket does not ask for payment, but warns: "Failure to comply with parking regulations may result in fines up to £70 or further enforcement action."