A PURFLEET-on-Thames man has been forced to pay more than £600 worth of parking fines after his attempts to evade justice by using a fake number plate failed.

The man swapped his real number plate for a fake plate when he parked illegally.

He attempted to evade the fines by claiming the vehicle was not his but an investigation carried out by Thurrock Council Civil Enforcement officers proved it was the same vehicle.

The council, which has declined to name the offender despite advocating a 'name and shame policy' in previous announcements, issued the following statement: "This week a Traffic Penalty Adjudication Tribunal found in the council's favour and the man has been ordered to pay nine fines totalling £630.

Council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill, said: "This adjudication shows the lengths our officers will go to in order to make sure that those who park inconsiderately do not evade fines. This man's flagrant attempts to evade justice have failed and now he has been forced to pay the price for his actions.

"Residents should rest assured that we will pursue anyone who attempts to evade a fine with the same kind of vigour shown here, this applies to all fixed penalty notices and not just those issued for parking."

Despite not naming the man in the release Cllr Gledhill went on to add: "We are ensuring that we are able to publish pictures of anyone who gives us fake details when officers approach them to issue a fine. These pictures will be posted on our website so wrong-doers can be identified and face the consequences of their actions."

The council website parking enforcement page is here.