Farmer fined for parking tractor in London

[Amby 490]

A farmer who hasn't been to London for 45 years is in trouble for parking his vintage tractor illegally in the capital.

Eric Smart, 74, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, says he has only been to London once in his life - and that was on a bus.

And he insists his old Massey Ferguson tractor has not left his barn for 14 years, reports the Daily Mail.

So he was more than a little surprised to be fined for parking it in Wandsworth, 150 miles from his home.

Transport for London said the penalty for the alleged offence had risen to £180 because he had not paid in time.

But Mr Smart complained: "I've run up £30 in phone bills trying to explain to Transport for London that my tractor only has a speed of 15mph and it would take me the best part of two days to get there and back."

It is the second time in 18 months he has been fined for supposedly parking his tractor illegally in London.

Both times the vehicle was said to have the registration SWA 525 - the same as Mr Smart's tractor. It's thought he may be the victim of a cloned number plate.

Last year, he was told he owed £100 for unloading it in posh Sloane Square but officials later scrapped the penalty

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2894698.html?menu=

[mawilson 2,133]

[Amby 490]

I was wondering how one would get their tractor into London

[mawilson 2,133]

I was wondering how one would get their tractor into London

I might just buy a tractor and park it in Sloane Square for a laugh

[Amby 490]

make sure it's "vintage"

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Solution: he should send them a bill for £720--and charge them with theft (eh, I think the parking fines are an inside job from London).