bMOTORISTS who think they have been wrongly fined by a traffic warden will be able to get advice and information on how to appeal through an Internet site.

The National Parking Adjudication Service, which heard 98 appeals against penalty charge notices in Bolton in the last 12 months, is to launch a website on November 1.

The new site -- www.parking-appeals.gov.uk -- features general information about NPAS, advice on appealing, details of the various parking contraventions and other useful facts, including the latest regulations and legislation.

The public has a right to dispute a fine which they think was inappropriately issued.

There have been flashpoints between motorists and wardens in Bolton since the local authority took over enforcement of parking regulations from the police two years ago. Some motorists have successfully appealed against the fines in front of a NPAS panel at the Moat House Hotel.

A total of 98 (0.19 per cent) of the 51,229 parking tickets issued by Bolton Council went before the tribunal.

Thirty per cent of cases were not contested and the money was refunded, 38 per cent of appeals were allowed by the adjudicator, while 31 per cent were refused. In Manchester, 125,747 tickets were issued and there were 902 appeals.

Caroline Sheppard, Chief Adjudicator of England and Wales, said: "It may only be a parking ticket, but we recognise that many people believe that it's not the money it's the principal, and want to have the opportunity to explain their case to an impartial lawyer.

"We've been working on the site for a year in the hope that it will be viewed as an valuable source of information for all car owners as well as those who want to appeal against a penalty charge."

NPAS was established three years ago as an independent tribunal where lawyer adjudicators hear appeals against penalty charge notices issued by councils.

However, motorists must have made unsuccessful representations to the council first before there is a right to appeal to the adjudicator.

At the informal tribunal hearings motorists can explain their case to the adjudicator or have their case decided on documents alone. The NPAS will deal with more than 10,000 appeals this year and the motorist is successful in about 60 per cent of cases.