A grandmother believes people are being “conned” after being fined for using an unofficial parking bay.

Diana McLintock says she is one of many to receive a £50 penalty in Yew Tree Road Car Park, Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells for using a space that’s not marked.

She had left her vehicle in what she thought was a space on the end of a row.

“I first noticed it at least two or three years ago,” she explained. “I think people park there because it is next to an alleyway.

“That's why it is so convenient, because it's straight through to the high street.”

The long-stay car park is run by Tunbridge Wells council and has four blue badge spaces, as well as electric vehicle charging.

There are resident and local employee permits available, and also allows for two hours free – only if drivers display a ticket.

Diana has a disabled badge as she uses a walking stick due to her arthritis.

Around three months ago, the retiree was fined £50 for using the “fake” space – which is between a yellow-lined disabled bay and an official parking spot.

At the time, there were no disabled bays available to her.

She said: “Some nice person had put an empty polythene bag under my windscreen.

“I had a word with people in the area and they said it's probably just children. So I took no notice of it and I went home.

“About two or three weeks later I got a letter to say I owe £50 because I didn't pay the fine in the first place.”

Diana was told over the phone that she had been fined because she wasn’t parked in an official space.

After explaining her situation, the fine was reduced to £25.

Diana added: “I had to pay it – they wouldn't bend. They just kept saying ‘you weren’t in a bay’.”

Since then, the grandmother has gone out of her way every week to warn other unsuspecting drivers about this issue.

She claims she has spoken to “dozens of people” whilst she has been in the car park for her hair appointment.

“I would say 90% of the time when I am here, I will find that there is a car parked there,” she said.

“If I see somebody in their car, sitting there, I will go and tell them. They are so grateful for it.

“I just feel so strongly that people are being conned. They do not know.

“Innocent people are parking there and I don't think it's fair.”

After receiving her ticket, Diana phoned the council several times to complain but says nothing has been done.

The 83-year-old believes the council should make the gap an official parking space, or add a sign that clearly tells drivers not to park there.

She added: “I am frustrated, because most of the people who go to my hairdressers have parked there. The girls that work there have had tickets.

“It is not people trying to abuse any system. It is legitimately honest, innocent people.”

Tunbridge Wells council has been contacted for a comment.