A blind man has blasted Bournemouth council for putting a parking ticket on his car while it was parked outside his home.

Robert Hudman, who has a blue disabled badge, was shocked when his partner Gillian Daley, who drives their Suzuki 4X4, discovered it had been ticketed.

He said: "For the last fortnight we haven't been able to park in front of our house because we've had a skip for garden clearance work.

"We could have parked on Castle Lane West itself because the double yellow lines don't apply to blue badge holders.

"But it is such a busy road - my stepfather had two cars written off there - we decided to park on the access strip to the driveway instead.

"There is a dropped kerb and we weren't obstructing the footpath or grass verge."

Gillian said: "It's bureaucracy gone mad.

"It seems the council would prefer us to obstruct a very busy road, close to a junction, rather than park safely.

"I could have parked on the other side of the road, where there are no yellow lines.

"But the traffic is so heavy getting across is really dangerous for Robert."

Mr Hudman, 51, said: "We were in at the time our vehicle was ticketed; no-one knocked on our door to say we were breaking the law or asked us to move it.

"The notice says it was parked in a restricted street during prescribed hours but there are no signs up to say that.

"We have challenged the £60 fine and don't feel we should have to pay it."

Councillor Ron Whittaker, who has taken up their case, said: "This is crazy because the vehicle was not obstructing the pavement or causing a danger on this very congested road.

"What's needed here is some common sense.

"I've had many complaints from Castle Lane West residents who have had their cars ticketed when they haven't been causing any obstruction."

The borough's head of technical services Roger Ball said: "We are unable to comment on individual cases however we can confirm that we are in receipt of Mr Hudman's appeal and are currently investigating it.

"The council will consider the matter including the parking attendant's notes and any photographs taken at the time before reaching a decision."