A DRIVER given a parking ticket for overstaying at Innerleithen’s Co-op car park has complained the rules are not fairly enforced.

James Hay Pendreight told a meeting of the town’s community council, (IDCC) on Monday evening, that he’d left his car while he went by bus to Borders General Hospital.

A car park notice states there is a maximum stay of two hours which is enforced by Horizon Parking, of Chelmsford, Essex, acting on behalf of the Co-op.

Mr Pendreight was over the limit and was fined £70.

The sign also states that overnight parking is forbidden and Mr Pendreight complained that this is not enforced.

Mr Pendreight said: “I went to the car park at 5.30am the next day and found six cars parked which must have been there overnight.

“They are not carrying out the procedures correctly. Mountain bikers, at the weekend, park outwith the controlled hours. There has been illegal parking for a long time and there should be much more compliance.”

IDCC member Andy Weir said: “Your action might mean a lot more people get fined.”

IDCC secretary Gordon Daly added: “I have seen cars that have been left for days in the car park.”

Tweeddale East councillor Robin Tatler (Ind) suggested writing to Co-op and Horizon Parking and asking for consistency in how the rules are applied. IDCC members agreed to write a letter.

The Peeblesshire News has approached Horizon Parking for comment.

A Co-op spokesperson said: “We will raise the concerns with our car park operator.”