04 March 2023 , 11:20
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A single mum is terrified about spiralling into debt after being slapped with a parking fine.
Catherine Bowden took her two children to a McDonald's in Walsgrave, Coventry, on November 2 last year but overstayed in the car park by 14 minutes.
As a result, the 40-year-old, who works as a kitchen assistant in a care home, was issued a £50 fine which has risen to £170 while she was trying to fight against it.
She had misread the signage about how long they could park for.
Toddler Zayn, two, was enjoying the soft play while the family ate their meals - celebrating getting over a bout of Covid.
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But on realising her mistake, Catherine is desperately worried about how she's going to afford the fine.
She told Metro.co.uk: "I’m worried sick, I’ve never been in debt in my life and don’t know what to do. I’m trying to contact McDonald’s for help.
"I’m upset to be fined when I was a paying customer and using the McDonald’s facilities.
"I’ve never been chased for debt before and always pay my bills, it feels unfair."
She added that if she'd known there was a 90-minute limit she would never have parked there.
Catherine said she had just wanted to treat her kids and "doesn't have a lot of money".
McDonald's said it provides 'ample' signage (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)A McDonald's spokesperson said there are "ample" signs to warn car park users at the site.
They added that the company works closely with "industry-approved" contractors to ensure customers don't exceed the limit.
The statement said: “We have parking restrictions in place at a number of our restaurants, with a time limit to ensure there is adequate parking for all of our customers.
"Ample signage regarding these restrictions is clearly displayed both as you drive into the car park, on various lampposts within it and inside of the restaurant.
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"We work with industry-approved contractors to ensure customers do not exceed the 90 minute limit.”
The spokesperson added that in some instances if a customer expects to exceed the parking limit they should make their vehicle registration known to restaurant staff.
They added that the outcome of individual cases is at the discretion of the parking control company.
The Mirror has contacted UK Parking Control for comment.