Traffic wardens are being told to keep their hats on after a loophole in the law allowing motorists to escape their fines was discovered.

Parking attendants' contracts stipulate they must be properly dressed when they issue fines, according to Department of Transport legislation.

That means they must wear hats at the time they write tickets.

The rule was discovered by Brighton photographer Eddie Mitchell who says he was issued a ticket by a hatless attendant and is now appealing against his fine.

Proper uniform

Brighton and Hove City Council is bracing itself for a deluge of appeals - but motorists have to prove the attendant was bare headed when tickets were issued.

Mr Mitchell learned of the loophole after his vehicle was ticketed in Marine Parade, Brighton.

He said: "I was bemoaning my luck to another attendant when he asked me if the attendant was wearing his hat.

"When I said no, he said I wouldn't have to pay."

A council spokesman said: "Terms of employment for attendants states they must be in proper uniform when they issue tickets. That includes a hat on their head.

"We don't want anyone going round issuing bogus tickets so we ensure attendants can be properly identified.

"Attendants can take off their hats but must wear them when they issue tickets or the tickets are invalid.

"Of course, those drivers who appeal will have to prove the attendant was hatless."