I HAVE been a law-abiding citizen of Bromley for most of my life, never parking on a yellow line, striving to be a courteous road user, and always paying for parking where required.

Today, I am outraged. I parked my car in St George's Road car park, in Beckenham, duly paid my 30p, put some empty bottles in the bottle bank and a plastic one in the appropriate bin, just like a good citizen. When I returned from the NatWest bank, a penalty charge notice was on my windscreen.

I had apparently, inadvertently, left the parking ticket upside down in my haste. I can understand a slap on the wrist for carelessness and perhaps a fine of £5 or £10, but a fine of £40 is obscene.

I also understand some people use old tickets to avoid paying 30p, but I should think it is not a risk worth taking. Of course, I am sure there is a notice in the car park stating tickets must be the correct way up, but everyone can make a mistake.

I am a pensioner who has paid taxes for some 40 or more years.

John Wilson

Wickham Road

Beckenham