The woman said she paid for half an hour through a parking app – but was fined after car park bosses said she occupied a space for 30 minutes and 16 seconds.

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Posting on Mumsnet, she said: “I am so cross. I have received a fine from for £60.

“I paid for 30 minutes on the app and they said I was on the car park for 30 minutes and 16 seconds.

“It just feels criminal that they can do this. I have appealed with photo evidence of the app payment and they have declined with no explanation.

“I have escalated the appeal. I can’t believe this fine will be upheld in court.”

The mum added that her entrance and exit from the car park had been timed by a camera.

She said: “I have escalated to the next appeal and have also sent an email to the company asking them exactly what I am being charged for.

“I’ve also asked for a copy of their camera calibration certificate and a copy of their terms and conditions.

“I have tried to call them 10 times for clarification and despite the voice mail promising a call back they are yet to call.

“I will keep all logs as evidence that I have tried to resolve this.

She added: “I just feel they have me over a barrel. I will try and hold my nerve as I truly believe I am in the right and this is crazy.

“But this is really stressing me out as they will escalate without caring whether they are being unreasonable.”

People were divided over whether the mum or the car park company was in the right.

One driver said: “You didn’t pay for 16 seconds. There is no leeway, just pay the fine.”

Another said: “I would ignore it as I don’t think they will pursue it.”

A third said: “Pay it. And then dispute it.”

It comes after a driver was slapped with a £105 fine for driving in a phantom bus lane – before realising it was a scam.

A top money expert has urged drivers to check their parking tickets for a hidden detail that could help you appeal a fine.

The expert also shared a little-known 10-minute rule that can help you appeal a ticket and win.