SIR – I have read with interest the article in the Telegraph & Argus (September 6) where the Dutch tourist was fined £240 because her vehicle was not parked correctly.

Mr Evans, the car park owner, has offered to refund the money himself. It really should be the employee who fined Ms Conny Dresch who refunds the money.

If you exceed the time, then you must pay the fine. This is fair enough.

However, in 2008, 46,000 fines were imposed for shoplifting and 21,000 of these fines were not paid.

If the motorist has to pay their fines on the spot, then so should the shoplifter, ie, they remain in custody until they do pay their fines.

Also, Mr Evans states: “I will not have people being cheated.”

Well he is cheating motorists because his cash machines and all other car park cash machines I have used do not give change, while all coffee and drinks machines that I have used do give change.

This practice of not giving change could be said to be “next door but one” to stealing.

Malcolm D Ridley, Mount Terrace, Eccleshill