Unfair penalty for parking infringement

Sir, I am 71 years old and have a mobility problem where I have to use a walking stick. I live on an island and so, when coming to the mainland, I usually do a large shopping because there are lots of goods we cannot get here on Coll.

On November 20, I had been to Glasgow to see my cancer consultant and the journey back through roadworks and bad weather meant I got to Oban in the dark and arrived tired.

I parked at Aldi about 5.30pm to do a good shop, so I thought. The shelves in the store had changed since my last visit and finding things was not easy and the bill came to £164.51. I then proceeded to pack everything into my vehicle, which took me a good 20 minutes with the weather still against me.

Then on November 30 I received a parking charge notice from a company called ParkingEye for £70 for going over the one hour and 30 minutes you are allowed by 18 minutes. I have since found out that Lidl also has this policy for parking.

Perhaps these companies do not want customers, because I think one hour and 30 minutes is not enough time in a town where there are so many people coming from the islands to do their shopping. Pat Graham, Garden House, Isle of Coll.