I drove to the Red Funnel Car Ferry terminal and parked in the car park after getting a parking ticket from the machine.

I arrived at the park at 11am and purchased a ticket costing £3 to last until 4.51pm.

Ten minutes later I returned to find the vehicle had been clamped and the operator wanted £115 before he would remove the wheelclamp.

He said I had trespassed. I said the only signs I could see were for parking. He said pay up or we will charge you £500 to remove the car and more for each day in the pound.

I am a pensioner aged 76 and only wanted to meet a friend from the ferry. I have never ever had any problems before and this fine has taken all my pension for this week.

The operator said I was on private land so they can charge what they like.

Peter Self, Kingsfield, Storrington