I PARKED in Yorke Square, Richmond, at 11.30pm on June 19. I could not read the information notice next to the ticket machine as it was dark and the machine is not lit.

Rather than parking in front of a drive, garage, or on double or single yellow lines, the car park was the safest and legal place to park.

The following morning I overslept, and went to the car at 9.25am to find a parking ticket: £30 for the one hour and 25 minutes I had been parked without a ticket, usually costing £1.50.

So a £30 fine for a £1.50 ticket?

Somewhat unfair I thought.

I wrote to appeal and received the reply that the charge still stood.

One would think a little leeway may be shown in the circumstances for a Richmond resident?

What amazes me, when tourists visit the River Swale and surrounding area, they park on single and double yellow lines, on walkways, in front of garages, and in some wholly inappropriate areas. Where is the helpful, jobsworth parking attendant to put a ticket on their car?! Too busy picking up on the residents’ mistakes – that’s evidently where!

L Golding, Richmond