Now you know how it feels!

Aug 29 2005 By James Cartledge

IT'S a thought to fill Birmingham drivers with glee - hated traffic firm Control Plus is being fined instead of doing the fining.

The company, which has a £1.9 million contract to patrol the city’s streets, has been hit by a massive backlash over its ruthless attitude to doling out parking tickets.

But now the boot is on the other foot because the firm is being fined for failing to submit its accounts to Companies House on time.

The Uxbridge-based company today blamed an “ administrative oversight” after missing the July 30 deadline, triggering a £100 fine.

But a driver who threatened court action over a Control Plus ticket said he was delighted the firm had been caught out, regardless of the small sum involved.

Self-employed web designer Brendan MacLean, aged 40, eventually overturned a £60 penalty imposed at the city centre Albert Street car park after claiming his Rover was parked outside his Moseley home at the time.

“I think it’s great news and a lot of other people will be pleased to hear this,” he said.

“Everyone accepts traffic wardens have a job to do and if people act illegally then there’s no problem. But Control Plus should be sacked from Birmingham.”

Control Plus is a brand name registered with Companies House, but the firm is technically dormant and Birmingham City Council’s contract is with a parent company, Central Parking System.

A spokeswoman said it would not affect Control Plus patrols in Birmingham.

“A dormant company statement has not been filed on time as a result of an administrative oversight, so a small fine will be levied,” she said.

“This is not unusual practice, and is not significant to the operation or our contract with Birmingham City Council.”