Motorists can now appeal parking fines online, thanks to a new service.

The Parking and Bus Lane Tribunal, which deals with appeals rejected by councils, launched its online platform last week.

As a result, motorists receiving a penalty in Renfrewshire or East Renfrewshire, where parking is decriminalised, can register their appeal through mygov.scot if it has been rejected by council chiefs.

Petra Hennig-McFatridge, adjudicator for the Parking and Bus Lane Tribunal for Scotland, said: “We are really pleased to launch this new digital service for motorists who want to make an appeal.

“Online transactions are easy, quick and save on processing time, so we encourage motorists to use the service for these benefits if they have had an appeal rejected by a council.

“Our aim is to provide a modern and efficient Parking and Bus Lane Tribunal and the introduction of online appeals will help us to achieve this.”

Parking adjudicators perform a judicial role. Their task is to decide each appeal on its own merits on the basis of the evidence provided by the appellant and the council.

In reaching a decision, they apply the law and make findings of fact.

Adjudicators are legally qualified and appointed by the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, with consent of the Lord Advocate.

Councils have no control over their appointment, their security of tenure, any decision they make or the allocation of cases.