NEW car parking regulations that came into place a year ago have caused a storm of controversy as people battle to park their cars in Bolton.

Many motorists have been left seething with anger over fines and have accused traffic wardens of being over zealous.

A British Telecom engineer, who does not wish to be named, was given a ticket while working in a town centre building society last week.

He said: "It is inconvenient to park a long way from where you are working because of carrying the equipment. You need the van nearby. BT will pay the fine, but it is always happening in Bolton and they are going to get sick of it.

"I have heard of tickets being put on ambulances and hearses -- it is just ridiculous."

Alan Riding, chairman of Bolton Rotary Club, was angry when he received a ticket on two separate occasions while parking outside restricted hours.

Mr Riding, aged 67, of Georges Lane, Horwich, said he received two tickets for £40 after parking his car in a car park on Duke Street at 7.30pm. He later had the tickets waived.

He said: "I have had another car parking ticket since then. I parked at the back of Le Mans Crescent while I went to the open market to buy cheese for a cheese and wine charity night at my house.

"I misread the machine and put in £1 for an hour, but it was actually £1.10.

"I was back within the hour, but discovered my mistake at putting in 10p less than necessary had cost me £30. I felt a bit sick that I was out trying help others but ended up having to pay a fine."

He added: "The wardens are very insensitive and over zealous. They have no tolerance zone and are very unreasonable.

"There should be better training and better PR work. I believe it is just a way of making money, but it is counter productive. People are put off shopping in the town and I wonder how much is being lost in the rates that shopkeepers could pay if trade was better.

"It is all about supply and demand. No wonder out of town retail parks like Middlebrook are so successful. The council needs to wise up."