Each week, we'll be bringing you the essential strangest motoring news from around the world.

Don't forget to come back every Friday for your new helping.

Got any stories you think we should feature in the Weird World of Wheels? Send them to us at editorial@autotrader.co.uk.

This week:

It's a fare cop

Everyone's got a traffic warden story. Mostly involving unwelcome tickets and things falling on deaf ears.

But one parkie in Upminster got more than he bargained for when he ticketed an off-duty police officer.

Returning to his car the officer found the warden slapping a £80 penalty notice on his windscreen because it had two wheels on the pavement outside his house.

The two public servants squared up against each other, views were exchanged, and the policeman ran inside his house, changed into his uniform and called for backup.

When two policemen arrived in a patrol car, the warden was arrested on suspicion of using threatening and abusive behaviour.

A council spokesman said: "The council is very concerned about the arrest of its officer. It takes the welfare of its staff very seriously and the police have agreed to investigate the matter."

Gone in 600 seconds

It's bad enough having your car stolen, but to have a car you've spent £15,000 on nicked ten minutes after you've finished building it must grate a little.

But that's exactly what happened to Roy Nunn from Stourport in the West Midlands.

The 36-year-old's Ford Escort Mexico replica, one of only 75 in the world, was stolen outside a friend's house after he drove round to show off his newly completed creation.

Mr Nunn said: "I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I was having palpitations."

It is big, and it is quite clever

If a Smart Car rolls up behind you in a traffic jam it's not normally something to worry about.

Stefan Attart begs to disagree.

The Greek rally champ has created an off-road behemoth called the ForFun 2 which could crush your motor into a metallic pancake.

The 3.7 metre tall car can handle most types of terrain, including steep slopes.

Not much room for your shopping, though.

Congestion charge – the extended zone

There's a congestion charge helpline you can ring if you have a dispute about a penalty notice.

One man they must be familiar with by now is David Timothy - a 47-year-old from Brecon in Wales who has racked up 31 bills for non-payment of the charge.

Despite not visiting the capital since 1981.

Mr Timothy said: "I wouldn't mind but I haven't been to London since I toured with Talgarth male voice choir 25 years ago."

Transport for London admitted a technical glitch may be to blame.

Got any stories you think we should feature in the Weird World of Wheels? Send them to us at editorial@autotrader.co.uk.