On May 8, I visited a flat on Shoreham Beach at about 9.30am to attend to a client.

When I returned to my car at 10.05am, I found it had been clamped and there was a fixed penalty notice on it for the sum of £120, even though I had a large card in my windscreen indicating my status as a carer.

I called the number indicated on the notice, only to be asked immediately and repeatedly how I was going to pay.

I tried to explain my position and the work I did and that I did not have £120 with me, and was told that "nothing" could be done.

Within five minutes of my terminating the call, a man arrived and parked behind my car.

He told me that a tow truck was on its way to take my car to the pound, which would cost me a further £145, plus £20 per day thereafter.

Eventually, I managed to contact a family member, who had to leave her job in order to come to my assistance.

This wholly unnecessary action caused not only distress to myself, but also to the client I had just visited.

Furthermore, I was unable to fulfil the rest of my calls, which meant my clients were left until my company could find other carers to attend to their needs.

I accept that parking restrictions are put in place so people do not abuse the facilities or cause an obstruction, but I was merely doing my job, with a professional carer's badge in evidence, as might, say, a doctor or district nurse.

This situation has not only been extremely frustrating, but has also compromised my position as a carer.

I strongly feel that such firms as this should be called to account for their actions by the local authority, as it seems to me they are a law unto themselves and totally irresponsible.

Mrs Teresa Poulton-Benn
Glebelands Close
Shoreham

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