"Parking charges not clearly displayed"

On previous visits to north tyneside hospital I have driven through a barrier, taken a token and paid on exit. I last used the hospital for several appointments and the birth of my daughter early 2013 when the barriers had been removed, and in place were yellow covers and parking wasn't charged.

My Dad was taken to hospital by ambulance last week after suffering a suspected heart attack and when I arrived to see him that evening there were still no barriers, and I couldn't see signs indicating I had to Pay and display.

I visited regularly over the weekend and still did not see any signs regarding parking charges. I've arrived home today to Parking Fines amounting to £140, and have since read about how I should have paid for parking.

I can not believe that such an unclear and underhand method of charging parking is being used, I am happy to pay £1. 20 an hour for parking, and would gladly have done so on this occasion but didn't even realise that I had to pay.

Parking charges should be clearly defined, and instructions clearly displayed and simple to follow, especially considering people visiting the hospital are most likely in the realms of an extremely stressful situation.

Now on top of the stress of my fathers condition, I also have the stress of these ridiculous fines!