HE had thought he’d save himself a job and take his car to be professionally cleaned.

But Ted Sparshott has been left with a bill for £100 after being told he had spent too long there.

The pensioner drove his Ford Focus to the FS Car Wash at the Homebase car park in the Millbrook area of Southampton.

It took two hours for the vehicle to be cleaned inside and out, but a few days later Mr Sparshott got a letter saying he had been in the car park too long.

Management firm G24 wrote to him saying he was only allowed to spend 90 minutes in the car park – and that they would be imposing a charge of £100 for overstaying his welcome.

Ted, from Sutherland Road, said he didn’t realise there was a time limit.

He said: “I only went in there to get the car washed.

“I never even used a car park space. I was in the queue going into the car wash behind quite a number of cars.

“I didn’t realise that they’ve got a camera that photographs you going in and photographs you going out.

“I went into the car park to get it washed, I didn’t think I was using the car park.

“After they took my keys I stood outside their car wash and waited with two or three other people.

“I didn’t realise the length of time it was taking.”

Ted ordered a full valet on his car and despite getting it “showroom clean” he said “I won’t go back there again” in case he gets another fine.

He said: “I’m going to have to find one that doesn’t photograph you going in and going out.

“Other people must be going in and getting caught for £100.”

But the manager of the car wash, Agim Pervana, said that people who use the car wash can register their cars with him and won’t receive a fine.

He admits that he may have forgotten to pass over the details.

Mr Pervana said: “Just bring it to me and I will reduce the fine.”

No comment could be provided from G24 Limited.