A FERNHURST couple in embroiled in a row with South Western Railway objected they were sold advance parking tickets ‘under false pretences’.

They say they know many others have paid in advance for parking at Haslemere Station, but found none available.

Gill and Peter Taylor, who are in their 80s, made a special trip to Haslemere Station on March 4 to try and ensure their trip for a hospital appointment in Chertsey the following day would go smoothly.

They purchased an advance parking ticket to make sure they could leave their car close to the station, but were horrified to discover there were no parking space the next morning.

Determined to keep the appointment, but left with no time to see if there were any spaces in car parks nearby, they used a non-designated space in the station car park.

After receiving a fixed penalty notice, Mrs Taylor wrote explaining the circumstances and objecting the fault lay with the rail company.

But she eventually paid £167 after being threatened with court action by debt collectors.

Mrs Taylor resolved to keep on fighting however and contacted Chichester MP Gillian Keegan, who wrote in support.

In early September South Western Railway agreed to refund the money.

Mrs Taylor said: “They are selling tickets for advance parking under false pretences.

“They are happy to take the money but notto provide ther service.

“I was determined to pursue compensation, because they put us under such duress.”

Responding, a South Western Railway spokesperson said: “We have refunded the parking fine in full due to the circumstances involved, but would reiterate that passengers should always park in allocated parking spaces. “Not doing so can obstruct access and make it difficult for emergency vehicles to attend, if required.”