A parking guru who has helped hundreds get off their fines was told he could not represent motorists in Haringey.

Derek Dishman, who uses the alias Mr Mustard when he fights people’s parking fines, was told by officers from Haringey council he could not attend tribunals.

The Barnet resident has this year successfully petitioned six appeals in front of adjudicators for Haringey council and was left baffled by the news.

After questioning it and arguing it breaches basic human rights, the authority changed its mind.

But what happened has still left Mr Dishman reeling.

He said: “When I got the news it was very out of the blue. I didn’t understand. What a shambles. There was no reason for it, it’s ridiculous.

“I always get my clients to sign a letter saying it is okay for me to represent them and have never had a problem.

“The adjudicators all know me, they joke with me. They play me with a straight bat but they know I know what I’m doing, so there’s always humour there.

“They’ve told me I’m professional and are happy with the way I conduct my adjudications.

“They remark on my colourful shirts – they know exactly who I am. They tell me – it’s delightful to argue with you today, Mr Mustard.”

Convinced Haringey council did not want him to represent motorists because he always wins, he put in a Freedom of Information request for any council documents containing the words ‘Mustard’ and Dishman.

He was later told to do a subject access review – only to be told that he did have submit an FoI request for part of the information after all.

He added: “I assume the reason they didn’t want me to represent them because I am better than 99 per cent of the public at challenging tickets, so they know I’ll always win.

“I put the FoI and subject access request in because I want to see if there is a campaign to stop me from representing people in Haringey.

“In fact, the first case I’ve put through since they relented – they threw the towel in before it even got to appeal stage.

“How odd that Haringey feel the need to make me prove I am Mr Mustard when I’ve been all over national television and the papers.”

A Haringey council spokesperson said: “Anyone may appoint someone to represent them at as part of the parking appeal process, as long as written authority is provided.

“We are reviewing the circumstances of this case, and are happy to speak to Mr Dishman about any concerns.”