A MAN has vowed to never return to the city centre after he was handed a “petty” fine for parking his scooter next to a cycle stand.

Angry moped owner Mark Steele was fined by Worcester City Council for parking next to a cycle parking rack in Copenhagen Street last Thursday (July 4).

The fine was cut to £35 after Mr Steele contacted the council to complain about the fine.

But now Mr Steels says he will withhold part of his council tax in protest.

He says he has changed his council tax payments schedule depriving Worcester City Council of £64 a month for the next six months.

Mr Steele said the fine was an “utter disgrace” and accused the council of raising money by taxing unsuspected moped riders.

In an email to the city council, Mr Steele said: “This is nothing more than the council Mafia raising tax from a totally unsuspecting moped rider.

“It has nothing to do with the free flow of traffic or pedestrians or any obstruction.

“It is an utter disgrace that the signage doesn’t make clear that the restrictions apply to the building line.

“This area is also not used as a pavement for pedestrians as cycles park there.

“It is no wonder High Streets are dying from a lack of business when you and your parking wardens are so petty.

“You won’t have the privilege of fining me again as I shall never shop or visit the city centre ever again.”

Worcester City Council, who enforces parking restrictions and hands out fines, said Mr Steele was fined for parking his moped where parking or loading and unloading was not permitted.

Copenhagen Street has double yellow lines and double yellow kerb markings which prevents all vehicles, including motorcycles, from parking in the road, on the pavement and in front of buildings all the way up to the building line.

A spokesman for the city council said: “Worcester City Council’s role is to enforce parking restrictions under traffic regulation orders made by Worcestershire County Council.

“Anyone who receives a penalty charge notice has the right to appeal against it and details of how to are included on the notice.”

A spokesman for Worcestershire County Council said: “The end of Copenhagen Street has clear signs that inform residents this is a pedestrianised area and not suitable for motorised vehicles.

“Any issues regarding parking notices should be directed to the local district council.

“However, if residents would like to have a current traffic regulation order reviewed, they should contact their local councillor.”