A Croydon mother given a parking fine despite having a valid ticket is furious after bailiffs repossessed her car.

Latoya Walker, from Thornton Heath, was issued a penalty charge notice (PCN) in December 2017 on St Ann's Road despite having a valid parking ticket.

Throughout 2018, Mrs Walker, 35, made unsuccessful attempts to appeal the PCN, refusing to pay the Council what she claims is an unjust fine.

This month a bailiff arrived at her home, seizing her BMW three series worth £9000 to cover the debt, which had increased to £613.

"I've done nothing wrong," she said.

"The fine should never have been given to me in the first place, as my ticket was valid.

"You can clearly see from the time the penalty charge was issued and the time I bought my ticket that I had permission to park there.

"I need the car to go out with my newborn baby - it's my only way to get around.

"I feel so threatened and unsafe in my own home as I'm worried the bailiffs will return and bully their way in.

"I'm actually terrified to answer the door and feel embarrassed to leave my house."

Mrs Walker is currently on maternity leave, looking after her four-month-old son Cade. Her husband Dorian has had to book days off work to deal with the issue.

According to documents shared with Croydon Guardian, the PCN was issued at 1.42pm. Mrs Walker's ticket entitled her to an hour's parking between 1.35-2.35pm.

Mrs Walker says she has appealed the PCN, sending the council proof of her valid ticket. She says the council refused her appeal on the grounds it was submitted late.

A bailiff arrived at her home on January 16 with a court order enabling them to confiscate her car.

A spokesperson for Croydon Council said: "A Croydon Council spokesman said: “We cannot discuss ongoing proceedings but debts are only passed to collection agencies as a last resort after all statutory notices have been served.

“Anyone served with a Penalty Charge Notice will receive multiple letters from the council as part of a lengthy process before the debt is passed to a collection agency.

“If a fine is paid within the first 14 days there is a 50% discount.”