A woman who was stuck queueing for a carwash on a garage forecourt has been fined £100 for overstaying its 15 minute limit.
Natalie Carby queued for around 25 minutes for her turn at the £9 car wash before heading home on Wednesday, February 15.
She didn't give much thought about the experience until a Euro Car Parks fine landed on her doormat 12 days later.
Signs at the garage do indicate that the maximum stay for the carpark is 15 minutes, but the 41-year-old believes this should not apply to those waiting to use car wash.
Mum-of-two Ms Carby said: "I'm just absolutely appalled.
"I think it's absolutely outrageous that they can do this. Fair enough there may be signs around for a car park, but the car wash queue is not a car park."
Ms Carby had only bought her new car an hour before she went to get it washed at an Esso Garage in Rickmansworth, Watford.
She had planned to go to the BP garage along the road but found it was closed, forcing herself and other drivers to go to Esso.
She said: "The only reason I went there was because the car wash at the BP garage down the road was closed, which is why there were so many cars queuing in the Esso car wash that day."
She added: "It has taken a lot of time and effort and help from family members to get this car and then within an hour I'm whacked with a £100 fine.
"I had my previous car for over 10 years and I never got a parking fine. An hour of this car and I'm getting a fine for having a car wash - I'm just appalled."
With mounting energy bills and shelling out for a second-hand car, the fine is a big hit for the 41-year-old admin manager.
She is planning on digging her heels in and will refuse to pay as she simply can't afford it.
She has appealed on Euro Car Park's website and an automated confirmation email has informed her that a response can take 30 days.
However, she has only been given 14 days to pay a discounted £60 fine.
The penalty notice given to Ms Carby read: "Your vehicle was parked longer than the maximum period allowed.
"By remaining at the car park without authorisation, in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the signage, the parking charge is now payable to Euro Car Parks (as the creditor).
"Failure to pay the full amount of this notice within 28 days may result in the proceeding of debt recovery action and/or issuing court proceedings against you."
Euro Car Parks has been contacted for comment.
