I CAN appreciate Donna Dawson's feelings after receiving a parking fine in the Sainsbury's car park, when her consultant was late for an appointment at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough (News Shopper, July 21).

We all appreciate the problems associated with parking cars.

However, it would seem staff in the council's parking services department are a particular breed who have no regard for the problems encountered by motorists.

The best people can expect from them is a grudging acceptance of the situation but with this comes a threat any future infringement will lead to the motorist being penalised.

They never give an apology or an admission the rules they have to follow could be at fault.

No doubt abuses do occur but it would seem logical for councillors to accept problems do happen and they should only employ staff who are capable of treating such situations sympathetically.

F W Long Wilmington Avenue Orpington