A CAR at Winchester park and ride has been slapped with a dozen parking tickets over the last two weeks.

The blue Fiat Panda has been left outside the Barfield Close multi-storey for some time with a note in the windscreen stating: "Broken down. Will be back to recover".

This morning there were three tickets stuck to the windscreen and at least nine on the driver's seat, indicating that the driver has been back.

Each ticket incurs a £25 fine if paid within two weeks, or £50 otherwise, meaning the car owner is liable for penalties of around £250, and potentially up to around £500.

The city council has been approached for comment and a spokesperson replied: "In general terms if a member of the public contacts the council to advise us their vehicle has broken down, we would within reason help to accommodate needs (such as allowing a vehicle to remain while a recovery is arranged).

"Where there is no contact, PCNs are issued, however, if the owner can provide evidence that the vehicle was not roadworthy at the time, then an appeal would be considered."