A PENSIONER has been left with just £4 to live on for the week after his parking permit increased by 400 per cent.

Gerry Ponting said he was “shocked” when the council told him his permit had increased from £25 to £125 due to his car’s emissions.

The 69-year-old of Brettenham Road, Walthamstow said he was left with no choice but to pay it, leaving him with little food and no petrol to get by until his next payday.

“It’s daylight robbery,” said the bachelor who has lived in the road for 30 years.

“I was told the council would increase the permit price after a year and I presumed they would put it up by £10 so I sent a postal order for £35.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“When they rang to tell me the price I was physically ill. I couldn’t understand how they could rip me off and I was very disturbed by it.

“They’ve just taken away my week’s pension. I have some food I can survive on but nothing else.”

Mr Ponting’s car is 15 years old and runs on petrol. It recently passed the MOT without any issues and he is questioning why Waltham Forest Council had decided to penalize him for it.

He said he was left with no other option but to pay the £125 because he needs his car to get around and can’t afford to buy a newer model.

He said: “The councillors were elected by the people, for the people and I can’t believe how much they are making off me.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“I don’t see how they can justify the change in price. What’s going to happen next year? Are they going to just pick another figure and charge us that?

“I can’t walk long distances and I can’t afford to buy a newer car. I get £129 a week in pension and I have to pay the bills with that.”

Mr Ponting fought plans to introduce a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in his road for five years before it came into effect in April 2016.

He said although it was sometimes difficult to find a space on the road before, now he is paying for a space and still can’t park near his home.

“I’m paying for a permit and I’m not even guaranteed a space in my own road,” he said.

“Sometimes I have to park on another street and carry shopping bags back and it’s not easy.

“I was very reluctant to pay it but if I didn’t, the warden would come along and give me a ticket.”

Waltham Forest Council has been contacted for comment.