Couple left 'furious' after receiving £100 fine at Inverness car park – despite only being there for 12 minutes

A couple have been left 'furious' after receiving a fine at Rose Street Retail car park - despite only being on the premises for 12 minutes.

Ruth Beddall had nipped into Smyths to collect an order for her grandchildren while her husband waited in the car outside. Yet, weeks later the couple received a £100 fine through their door from the car park operators, Britannia Parking.

Speaking about it, Ruth said: "We were literally in and out within 12 minutes and didn't dream we would get a ticket.

"There were no clear signs saying there isn't a grace period and we haven't been able to get in touch with the company either."

Ruth and her husband decided to pay the fine – which was dropped to £60 as they paid within 14 days – as they did not want to be taken to court.

The couple join many others who have found themselves recipients of fines from Britannia Parking.

Ruth continued: "I think so many people are unaware - there’s nothing to warn you that you can’t go and collect something from the shops.

"I think it's just scandalous what they are doing and I feel so duped that we've had to pay so much money.

"We are now avoiding the car park. I feel sorry for the businesses in their as they are bound to be losing customers because of this."

Britannia Parking gave no response when contacted for comment.

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