A motorist who ran out of petrol ended up getting a parking ticket.

Piotr Ciesielski, 33, ground to a halt in Dover town centre.

He was in the middle to filling up his car when a parking attendant gave him a £70 fine.

Mr Ciesielski, of Folkestone Road, Dover, said more common sense should be shown.

“I left my friend to explain I had run out of petrol and that I was on my way to get some,” he said

“When I came back a civil enforcement officer was looking round my car.

“I asked her to let me off but she said I could not park there.

“I tried to explain my car was not parked but she was not interested.”

He added: “I understand when someone parks illegally and runs to McDonald’s or the bank but I was in an unusual situation and some leeway should have been given.”

A spokesman for Dover council said: “Everyone has the right to appeal.

“The full circumstances of the situation will then be taken into account.”