THE new year got off to a bad start for several drivers in High Wycombe when they received penalty fines for parking in the High Street on the festive Bank Holiday.

Motorists parking in bays close to the Woolworths store were surprised to see tickets on their windscreens, as it was a public holiday.

Drivers believed regulations would not apply and they would not get a fine.

Libbi Fairfax, of Church Road, Lane End, said: "As it was a bank holiday, I assumed parking would be free. I have parked there on many occasions on bank holidays with no problem.

"However, the parking attendant who was issuing the tickets advised me it was not considered a bank holiday by them and their instructions were to issue tickets. There were two parking attendants on duty and they were having a field day with us all."

However, Bucks County Council has confirmed that parking regulations apply on Bank Holidays unless signs in the area specifically say otherwise.