Beware '“ Big Brother is watching your car now

Yes, yet more resources are being used to tighten the screws on already-penalised drivers.

I don't know why I'm surprised '“ drivers are easy targets for local authorities across the land and a lucrative income stream.

New parking laws will come into effect on March 31. Under current law, a parking ticket can be sent by post only if the attendant was physically prevented from putting the ticket on the vehicle or giving it to the driver.

Now if you are clocked on a CCTV camera, maybe dropping someone off on some double yellow lines or getting trapped in a box junction, you will be sent a ticket for your heinous crime. Frightened? You should be.

Motoring groups are concerned. They believe these new changes will see an increase in the number of questionable tickets being issued.

To rub salt into the wounds, these changes go hand-in-hand with amendments to the appeal process, meaning it will be a lot harder for you to collect evidence to appeal against a ticket you believe has been wrongly issued.

I fully accept there are parking regulations in place for some very good reasons. Equally there are some restrictions in force that seem to exist only to swell the coffers of a local authority.

We pay some of the highest motoring taxes in the world. The price of petrol is constantly increasing and the motorist has become one of this government's biggest cash cows.

People use their cars to overcome poor and unreliable public transport, to drive out of the area for better jobs or to take their children to school.

My views about Big Brother CCTV have been well documented in this column and I am both concerned and angry officers watching us on telly will soon enforce parking regulations.

At least under the current system you get the opportunity to plead your case with a parking warden '“ as a friend of mine did last week when he was forced to stop on double yellows because his baby was suffering a projectile vomiting attack that could have choked him as he lay in his car seat.

Within weeks that right will disappear and you will be issued with a ticket by a faceless spy who has already pronounced you guilty.

You will then be left to fight your way through a complicated system to prove otherwise.

I thought in once 'Great Britain' you were innocent until proven guilty. Not any more.

If you fancy a terrific night out, raising money for one of the most worthwhile charities in the area while you're at it, then I recommend an event taking place on Saturday, April 12.

In aid of The Chestnut Tree House Hospice (the only children's hospice in Sussex), the Winning Events Spring Charity Ball is being held at Middleton Sports Club.

For a fantastic night with auction, raffle, live music, comedy, dancing and a three-course meal including half a bottle of wine per person, call Matt Warren on 07884 311251 or email [email protected] for more information.