A couple say they are ‘disgusted’ after being hit with a £70 fine for parking at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Janice Rothwell, from Farnworth, had a procedure at the hospital’s endoscopy department on Wednesday last week.

After the routine procedure, her husband Andrew came to collect her from the hospital’s 10 minute waiting area, where parking is free.

But Janice wasn’t able to be discharged immediately, meaning they overstayed their welcome at the free 10-minute waiting area by 13 minutes.

The following day they received a letter in the post telling them they had been fined.

Hospital bosses say there are signs around the site telling people about parking charges.

Mrs Rothwell, 61, said: “Apparently the new system had been rolled out last week, but we hadn’t heard about it nor did we see any signs.

“I was really disappointed that we hadn’t been told.

“As a retired nurse I understand staffing issues do happen so I don’t blame the fact no one was around (to discharge), but there was no mention of any charges.

“If they had then my husband would have parked somewhere else. We’re disgusted that they didn’t tell us. I don’t think they should be telling people to park there if they know it will take over 10 minutes.

“The fine is reduced to £42 if we pay it within 10 days, but that is still absolutely extortionate.

“They need to make people aware that this new system is in place.”

New charges and an automatic number plate recognition system were introduced at the hospital earlier this month.

Under the new system parking charges increase from £3 to £5 for up to eight hours, and £3 to £8 for up to 24 hours.

The charge for a monthly pass remains at £25 and the first 30 minutes are free, meaning if the couple had parking in a normal car park they would not have been fined.

Annette Walker, Director of Finance for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: “We have detailed information on our website and on signage around our site which outlines the parking charges and possibility of a fine when visiting the Royal Bolton Hospital. We will review the information we have in our departments to ensure that patients are informed at every opportunity.”