Zealous wardens suddenly started ticketing shoppers outside a precinct in Windlesham Road, Priestwood, just before Christmas, even though no bus has stopped there for four years.

They pinned Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) on the windscreens of three furious drivers, although the bus shelter has long since been removed. No double yellow lines are painted where the buses used to stop, and the shelter has been removed.

However, Bracknell Forest Council transport chiefs, who govern the bus stops, are not altogether heartless. One driver had his appeal upheld this year and the ticket quashed. Another man had his ticket quashed because he explained he had stopped in a mad rush to find a loo.

A council spokeswoman stressed that the Highway Code is on the council’s side, and that parking restrictions are still in force.

She said: “The bus stop is clearly marked out and people should not park there.” She was unable to explain why traffic wardens had decided to resume ticketing after four years.

Retired plumber Paul Cunningham, 66, of Priestwood, was furious after paying his £35 fine quickly to avoid the full amount.

He said: “It is outrageous. People have been parking there for a long time without a ticket because they knew that the bus stop was decommissioned.

“The warden who gave me my ticket was blissfully unaware that buses no longer stopped there. He must have been new to the job.

“Two of my pals have had tickets slapped on their windscreens since December.

“One has appealed, and has heard nothing since, so that is good news.” He added: “I cannot see how the regulations are on their side. It is just another method of raising cash at the expense of poor shoppers and pensioners like me.” Neil Matthews, BFC transport development manager, said: “Parking restrictions are necessary to keep traffic flowing and ensure the safety of all road users.

“Residents are reminded to check for any restrictions, including marked bus stops. We regularly review parking restrictions and will look again at whether this one needs to remain in place.”