NEARLY 40 drivers were slapped with parking fines while at Glasgow's River Festival as confusion reigned over the rules.

Two of the drivers hit by £30 fines say parking signs in Minerva Street were totally unclear and the city council "ruined their day".

Jay Johnson, 56, from Milngavie, went to the River Clyde event on Sunday to take photographs.

He parked his Ford Focus - he believed legally - in Minerva Street near the SECC.

But he returned to find a £30 parking ticket, which doubles to £60 if not paid within 14 days, and saw around eight other confused motorists in the same position.

The council insists a sign at the street entrance warns drivers they are entering a restricted parking zone and says park only in signed bays'.

But the 39 drivers hit by fines went much further along the street and round a corner, where a sign reads: "Mon-Fri 8am-6pm. Resident permit holders or pay at machine."

Because it was a Sunday and the sign indicated charges applied Monday to Friday, the drivers believed they didn't have to pay to park.

But in fact motorists are only allowed to park in designated bays - and not on the street at any time.

Mr Johnson said: "There were no yellow lines or other parking restrictions. The only notice about parking when entering this street section clearly states restrictions only apply from Monday to Friday. I've parked there for many years without any problems."

But he paid the fine as his car had been hired.

He said: "I feel badly let down and exploited by the city council for turning a major fun day out into an opportunity to collect money from motorists, who had no idea they were parking in a restricted zone."

Bernard Rafferty, 56, from Summerston, also got a ticket when returning from the festival and is appealing against the fine.

He said: "The wardens could not contain their delight at catching so many criminals' and were racing each other to add to their body count.

"I'm sure all the young families penalised would like to congratulate the ticketing terrors for a job well done."

A council spokeswoman said: "Minerva Street is a restricted parking zone. As you enter the area, signs state you are in a Restricted Zone.

"Under the sign it also states you are required to park in designated bays, although there are no charges on a Sunday.

"The areas where there are no bays are no waiting at any time' and this is shown by the blue roundel with the red line through it on the entry signs.

"There are no yellow lines on the ground as these are not required in a restricted parking zone and the parking bays are clearly marked."