A Plymouth man says he has been stung by a £100 fine - for parking in a zone that is meant to be free.
Gabriel Raducan, 31, made a trip into Plymouth city centre to buy a new computer with his wife on Tuesday morning.
Knowing that he wouldn't be spending long in Office Outlet - which is currently holding a massive closing down sale - Gabriel parked in a one hour bay outside the front of neighbouring Gala Bingo which is free for shoppers at the stationery chain giant.
Gabriel said he was then shocked to return to his grey Toyata 15 minutes later only to find a parking fine slapped on the windscreen at Charles Cross roundabout.
Britannia Parking, who manage the parking spaces, said Mr Raducan should contact them directly through the appeals process.
"There are six spaces outside Gala Bingo that are free for an hour, I've parked in them many a time before," said Gabriel.
"I went into Office Outlet to try and find a new computer as they are holding a big sale at the moment.
"Having parked at 11.15am, I couldn't believe when I returned to the car at 11.30am that I had a ticket.
"I have to pay £60 within 14 days otherwise the fine goes up to £100 - it's unbelievable.
"Last time I parked in those spots it was no problem at all, I have now appealed because this isn't right.
"The discount sale at Office Outlet was cheap but there was hardly anything left.
"With the fine added it makes the whole thing a waste of time.
"I've decided to not park in a private parking space ever again."
A spokesman for Britannia Parking said: “The spaces in question are dedicated parking bays for Office Outlet customers with a maximum one hour’s stay.
“There is an appeals process for such a situation as has arisen here. We would ask the gentlemen in question to contact us directly and we will be happy to look into this further.
“We are a well-established operator of more than 25 years’ standing which takes its responsibilities seriously.
“We are also a member of the British Parking Association and its approved operators’ scheme.”
“All of our signs and procedures meet the Approved Operators Code of Conduct, including those at Charles Cross in Plymouth.”
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