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How avoid paying parking tickets: Martin Lewis says 56% who do THIS get fine abolished

HAVE you received an unfair parking ticket? Martin Lewis says most people who fight them actually win.

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UNFAIR: Martin Lewis has revealed how to get out of paying unfair parking tickets (Image: GETTY )

The last thing you need on top of all the Christmas expense is a parking ticket, so you might be interested to hear how to avoid paying them.

Most of the time the parking warden will be correct in fining you, but there are some exceptions.

To help save you money this December, Martin Lewis has revealed how to get out of paying unfair parking tickets.

The finance guru and founder of moneysavingexpert.com said: "New figures reveal the number of appeals against unfair tickets is falling. Yet most who fight on, win."

New stats show the number of motorists who fought parking tickets has fallen by 8%, yet 56% of those who did got out of paying.

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OFFICIAL: Parking fines from councils are usually called "Penalty Charge Notices" (Image: GETTY )

Writing on moneysavingexpert.com, Martin said: "The threat of parking tickets stops people wrongly blocking roads and annoying us all, so if they're fair, pay 'em.

"Yet sometimes they're unfair - eg, due to poor signage, faded markings or human error."

So how can you avoid paying these hefty fines?

The 46-year-old money guru revealed a few key ways to work out if the parking ticket is justified.

1. Is it a council or a private parking ticket?

Official parking fines from councils are usually called "Penalty Charge Notices", while tickets from private firms such as those that manage car parks at supermarkets or retail outlets are not a fine they're just invoices.

For more information check out Martin's guide to Public vs Private parking tickets.

2. Did you realise you weren't meant to park there?

Whether the ticket is official or private, it might be unjustified if the signage was unclear or the double yellows had faded away.

How can I appeal my parking ticket?

Gather as much evidence as possible. Make sure you take plenty of photos to prove the parking restrictions were not clear.

To build a stronger case you could even gather witness statements and make sure you keep everything you receive from the company fining you.

You should never pay a fine if you are planning on appealing it. However, you shouldn't ignore it either otherwise the fine will go up.

Here is Martin's full guide on how to appeal a parking ticket.

Want some tips on how to save money this Christmas?

Martin Lewis recently revealed three tops tips for saving money at Currys PC World over the festive period.

He suggested checking for online deals before heading to your local store and haggling with shop workers.

His team at Money Saving Expert also revealed how to get 41 worth of Boots No7 products for just 12.

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