ONE of my relatives travelled over 150 miles to Southampton to assist me after the loss of a close member of our family.

They arrived at 8.30pm. The hotel car park in Castle Way was full and it was suggested that they park in the car park opposite Shopmobility.

They were told (and we checked on the large notice board in the car park) that no charges were made after 6pm. They got a ticket which said that the charges were until midnight.

Not being a large carrot eater or having the gift of second sight we had no knowledge of any signs indicating this.

We arrived the next morning to find minute signs wrapped round a lamppost 20 yards away from the main sign. The ticket machine also did not confirm late night charges.

They have paid the fine only because they had to return to where they live.

I am not only concerned for other visitors but also this would be classed as a scam if it had been done by a company.

Whoever is returned to power on the council has a duty to ensure that residents and visitors are treated in an ethical manner.

JOSEPH ALSFORD, address supplied.