Disabled drivers are claiming victory after the council announced changes to controversial parking bays.

Sutton Council will paint disabled parking symbols on to the bays in Throwley Way, near the Chicago Rock Cafe, in central Sutton, after disabled badge holders complained they were being unfairly hit with fines.

The current parking places are marked out with small metal studs on the road, which also mark out the neighbouring motorcycle bays which have been in place since 1994.

A number of disabled blue badge holders have fallen foul of the markings by unsuspectingly encroaching on to motorcycle bays. The Sutton Guardian reported on the first victim of the parking studs in October.

Dee Garbutt, 49, who had a clean driving license for 27 years prior to the ticket, had just spent £2,500 on having her car adapted as she is disabled.

Mrs Garbutt had erred on the side of caution on Throwley Way and left plenty of space between her and the next car, but her bumper had edged over into another bay, and she was fined £55.

Upon hearing the news the council will make the bays clearer, Mrs Garbutt said she was “absolutely delighted”.

She said: “Its about time. I’m so pleased the council have decided to listen, I just wish they had listened earlier. I was so upset when I got the ticket.

“People with disabilities have a hard enough time financially, we can ill afford to pay these fines. This is wonderful news.”

A spokesman for Sutton Council said: “Following concerns raised by residents and the Sutton Guardian, we will be installing signs in the ground within the parking bays, which we hope will make the bays clearer and easier to spot.”