A woman was given a parking fine after dropping her husband off at a bus stop, despite their claims that he “urgently” needed to find a nearby toilet.

The 79-year-old, from Northwood, said he occasionally requires immediate access to bathroom facilities due to various medical conditions.

But his wife was fined £110 by Harrow Council for temporarily stopping at a Hatch End bus stop so he could find somewhere before “carrying on to a public car park”.

They decided to pay the reduced fee of £55 but, upon challenging the decision, were forced to cough up a further £55.

“I am disillusioned by the lack of compassion shown by the council and the adjudicator,” the man, who asked not to be named, said.

“Let it be known as a true testament of the sad society in which we live.”

Harrow Council explained that, while it “sympathised” with the couple in this situation, cars are not allowed to pull over at bus stops.

But it did not deem this case to be a “compelling, health or emergency situation”, which it said it takes into account.

It said: “The law states drivers cannot stop on bus stops, and this is the same everywhere in the capital.

“The warning signs are clearly put up and the rules are clear – vehicles other than authorised buses who stop at bus stops risk getting a fine.”

It added that stopping there can not only delay traffic but can be dangerous to those using the bus route.

Despite being disappointed by the council’s decision, the man said he was “profoundly” thankful to Santander and Baskin Robbins in Northwood, as well as Lidl in Pinner, which have allowed him to use their toilets in the past.