The outspoken first woman speaker in the Commons has blasted notorious car clampers.

Baroness Betty Boothroyd and close friend Jean Megahy were visiting Haworth on Saturday and parked at the Changegate car park. They left a ticket in Mrs Megahy’s vehicle, but returned to find the car clamped by a man employed by Carstoppers, which is contracted to operate there.

The Telegraph & Argus revealed yesterday the ticket had time remaining on it but had fallen face down so the women had to pay a £75 fine. Signs state all tickets must be displayed face up.

Carstoppers has been criticised for its strict policy before.

Speaking to the T&A yesterday, Baroness Boothroyd, 78, said: “I think it was outrageous. I thought we would be told, ‘Girls, do not do it again, put it the right way up and make sure it is.’ There was no kindliness at all.

“I have been driving for more than 50 years and never had such an experience. People are up in arms about what is happening. Us Yorkshire Tykes do not take things lying down.

“It is not fair if shops in Haworth suffer because of such actions. I do not know what can be done as it is not really a political matter.

“The Council should take some action and put a dirty big notice up saying people should not park there, and explain why.

“It is difficult parking around there. The Council should find a little space and introduce a shuttle service, like park and ride on a smaller scale.”

Mrs Megahy said last night an appeal against the fine to car park owner Ted Evans was in the post: “I have appealed but I do not expect to receive anything.”

Mr Evans said on Monday: “It’s pay and display and they didn’t display.”

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