No charges for driver who painted over lines

A MOTORIST who painted over double yellow lines to avoid being issued with parking tickets has escaped prosecution.

David Ritchie, 36, was charged with malicious mischief after he covered up the lines with black paint. All charges have now been dropped.

But yesterday, Mr Ritchie said he had been looking forward to arguing his case in court.

"The fiscal said they had enough evidence to prosecute but a lenient stance will be taken so long as I don’t paint the lines again," he said. "I’m furious. I really wanted my day in court to prove I was in the right."

The disgruntled motorist took action after the council painted double yellow lines along the street where his girlfriend lived in Little France, close to the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. Locals asked for the restrictions to prevent hospital staff and visitors parking.

Police and traffic attendants admitted at the time they had no powers to issue a ticket as no yellow lines were visible.