A Cullingworth motorist fined for using a bus lane when diversions were in place for the Bradford City Run is celebrating a “common sense result” after successfully appealing the decision.

Nigel Dixon was one of 223 drivers slapped with a £60 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) by Bradford Council after he was diverted by marshals on October 27 last year.

The 55-year-old appealed the charge with the Council, which refused to drop it, before contacting an independent adjudicator.

He was told by the Council if the fine was paid within a set time, it would drop to £30, and if the appeal failed, he could still pay the reduced charge.

Mr Dixon admitted following other drivers along Bridge Street, but as diversions were in place and marshals had sent him in that direction, he assumed restrictions had been lifted.

The Traffic Penalty Tribunal hearing, heard via a conference call, involved the adjudicator, Mr Dixon and a Bradford Council officer. Mr Dixon, of Sunningdale Crescent, said the decision was made at the end of the telephone call.

“I’m very pleased. It’s common sense really. If people are diverted that way, then it shouldn’t be legally enforced,” he added.

“I was never confident [of victory] because you just can’t tell.

“It was worth it – £30 isn’t going to break the bank, but there’s a principle there.

“It makes people realise we don’t have to just take what’s given out, we can challenge it.”

Bradford Council declined to comment.