A GOOD Samaritan says he is “gobsmacked” Bournemouth Council have refused to drop a camera car fine even though he had stopped to help an injured elderly woman.

Mark Jury had pulled over in his Range Rover on a bus stop to check the welfare of the pensioner who had fallen as she walked along Southbourne Grove in Bournemouth on the morning of January 20.

He was shocked when a £70 fixed penalty notice arrived through his letterbox and decided to contact the council to appeal the fine and explain why he had stopped there.

But despite his explanation, the council has rejected his appeal.

Mark, 48, who runs the New Forest Water Park at Fordingbridge, said: “I cannot believe it. I think the council has gone mad.

“I was driving along the high street in Southbourne and I saw the old lady fall over.

“I immediately pulled over to offer my assistance. I didn’t even get out of the car, I just opened the window and spoke to two people who had gone to her aid and offered my help.”

Mr Jury was told everything was in hand, so he pulled out and continued on his way.

Speaking about the fine, Mr Jury added: “In the photograph you can see I am in my vehicle leaning towards the window – unfortunately you cannot see the lady on the floor.

“This was a genuine incident where someone was in trouble.

“I am a model citizen and I have never been in trouble with the police.

“ I stopped to help the old lady out and I am being penalised by the council for it.

“Even when I wrote to them to explain why my car was there, they are still saying they want my money.

“But it’s not about the money, it’s the principle.”

Bournemouth’s camera car was first introduced to catch motorists who park on school zig zags and bus stops.

It is now also used to catch people parking on double yellow lines where there is no loading or unloading.

Elaine Smith, deputy parking services manager for Bournemouth council, said in a statement: “We give full consideration into all individual cases and take mitigating circumstances to account.

“Any motorist receiving a fine can appeal against a ticket through the contact details given on their penalty charge notice.

“They also have the right of appeal through the Independent Adjudication Service if their initial appeal is unsuccessful.

“Full details of how to do this are provided with the notice of rejection on an individual appeal.”