A GASMAN landed in hot water when he answered an emergency call from a Bury couple aged in their 90s.

For after repairing their faulty water system, Tom Greer was shocked to discover traffic wardens had slapped a £60 ticket on his vehicle.

Although there were no yellow lines outside the house in Maudsley Street, the road is designated a restricted area. Parking for residents and visitors is on a strict permit-only basis.

Despite the fact the elderly couple's son wrote a letter to National Car Parks (NCP) explaining Mr Greer was providing emergency cover for his parents, the company refused to relent.

Former British Gas worker Mr Greer, who now runs his own Florida Gas business, said: "As far as I'm concerned, I was on an emergency job. This couple, aged 90 and 92, had no hot water. After I'd finished the job, I went outside and saw two traffic wardens beside my van.

"I told them I'd come on an emergency job. They said it didn't matter and they were going to book me because I was not displaying a parking permit. But the couple themselves don't drive."

Mr Greer, of Gigg Lane, Bury, was told that if the householders sent a letter to NCP, explaining the situation, then the fine could be quashed.

"But when the letter was sent in, NCP said the wardens had no right to say that to me. I asked them outright if an ambulance or fire engine had come into the street, then would they have been booked? They didn't answer me."

Mr John Foudy, parking services manager with Bury Council which contracts NCP to enforce the parking regulations, said he would be willing to review the case.

He said: "Although the householders may not drive, they are still entitled to a visitors permit and can apply for it if they don't already have one.

"This can be given to various friends or workmen as well. We will certainly look at this matter in the light of this particular incident."

He advised Mr Greer to appeal either to NCP or to the local authority and stressed the responsibility for ensuring callers were given a visitors permit rested with the householders.