The mum of a disabled boy today hit out at a parking warden who slapped a fine on their specially adapted car - because it overhung the bay.

Lesley Messenger, 46 from Brookmans Road, Stock parked in a normal bay in the car park near the Ladygate centre in Wickford because there were no disabled bays free.

Despite buying a pay and display ticket, Mrs Messenger was shocked to receive the £60 fine.

She said: "I think it's disgusting, just plain nasty in fact, especially when I was parked sensibly.

"People say a lot of things about traffic wardens and I understand they are only doing a job but they must have seen the disabled parking badge and it wasn't like I was parked dangerously or causing an obstruction."

The converted Chrysler Voyager has hydraulics to lower the back of the car, enabling 12-year-old Daniel to get in and out while in his electric wheel chair.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: "If Mrs Messenger would formally write to us with an appeal we would be happy to investigate the matter, including any mitigating circumstances."