A diabetic pensioner who had to hand over £90 after her car was clamped in a Haworth car park said she was left so upset by the ordeal she might never visit the historic village again.

Bridget Howley’s car was clamped in Changegate car park because its wheel was over the white line of the parking bay.

The 71-year-old, who had been shopping with her 76-year-old sister Betty McNally, said she had paid for two hours’ parking and had returned to the car at least 30 minutes before her ticket expired.

She said her vehicle was only just over the white lines and there were several free spaces in the car park.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “It was like robbery. It was days before I got over my anger and my distress. The attendant kept saying he would keep the car unless I paid him.”

Mrs Howley, who suffers from angina and is unable to walk very far, said she did not have enough cash with her and asked to pay the bill by debit card. She said she was told that would not be possible and she would have to walk to a bank to withdraw the £90 fee.

Mrs Howley, who lives in Thornton, said fortunately her sister still had part of her pension and together they were able to make up the release fee.

Ted Evans, who owns the car park, said Mrs Howley’s vehicle was significantly over the line and taking up two bays. He said it had been parked for an hour before it was clamped.

“We couldn’t use the bay for another vehicle and we had 150 cars using the car park that day,” he said. “The signs are absolutely clear. If a person is on the line or fractionally over the line I won’t allow the clamping company to charge them.”

He said the clamping company could not accept credit cards because they were unable to get a reception for their equipment, but there were cash machines less than 80 yards away.

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