AN absent motorist could face a bill of nearly £7,000 after apparently abandoning their car in a city centre parking bay for more than three months.

The W-reg Ford Escort is believed to have been parked in a pay-and-display bay in Old Elvet, Durham City, since at least July 18, when its only visible parking ticket expired.

Since then, the burgundy saloon could have racked up: 􀁥 Parking fees – at 40p per half-hour, 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday – of £783.20; 􀁥 Parking fines – at £50 for each of the 98 payable days – of £4,900.

In addition, the Escort’s tax expired on September 30, potentially incurring a minimum fine of £1,000 and £130 for a new tax disc.

One woman who regularly visits Durham claimed the car had been parked there for at least six months.

She said: “Surely this cannot be right. It’s a prime centre location. It’s not only illegal but losing revenue for the council.”

The 11-year-old Escort has suffered for being left alone – becoming dirty and covered in autumn leaves.

Yesterday, it had no visible parking fines – only one £2.40 pay-and-display ticket, which expired on July 18, at 11.55am.

Inside the vehicle, a pink umbrella and a pair of black plastic sunglasses could be seen. The whereabouts of the driver are unknown.

Durham Police said unless the car was causing an obstruction, it was not a police matter. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, which issues tax discs, has been informed.

Adrian White, head of transport at Durham County Council – which is responsible for pay-and-display parking, said under normal circumstances it may remove a vehicle without a valid parking ticket if the owner repeatedly failed to pay.

There were “particularly unusual extenuating circumstances”

which made this difficult this time but the council was working to resolve the situation, he said.