A motorist has warned road users about night-owl traffic wardens after receiving a ticket at 3.30am.

Margarita Crowe left her T-reg Rover parked outside her house, in Brasted Close, Bexleyheath, and when she awoke a £30 fine had been slapped on the windscreen.

Mrs Crowe, 48, said: “I was amazed. I always leave my car with two wheels on the pavement in case ambulances or fire engines need to come through in the night. There is no question of me not paying the fine but I would like to warn people there are wardens out at that time of night.”

A spokesman for Bexley Council confirmed Sureway parking wardens patrol the borough 24 hours a day, saying: “There are between four and six attendants patrolling in cars each night.

“This ticket may have been issued during a routine patrol but it may have been in response to a specific complaint.”