CITY of York Council’s reaction to the traffic adjudicator’s judgement that they do not have the power to issue penalty charge notices in respect of Lendal Bridge and Coppergate, is disgraceful.

Rather than apologising for the wrongful fining of innocent motorists, the council instead doubts and questions the validity of the views of an official expert, by seeking independent legal advice.

This is typical of an authority that will only accept the answers it requires.

If the adjudicator’s opinion is upheld, then not only should the council apologise and refund those fined; it should also sack the officials and members responsible for allowing and implementing an illegal process.

In any other walk of life, these would be the minimum remedies.

Paul S Cordock, Durlston Drive, Strensall, York.