MOTORISTS are fuming after a petrol station started fining drivers £150 if they park on the forecourt for more than 20 minutes.

Signs at the BP Connect at Gatwick Airport state drivers who overstay the time limit will be issued with a fine.

Mike Harrison, who drives a van for Newdigate Tyres,said: "From a moral point of view it is wrong.

"They introduced it to stop taxi drivers parking there too long but it is causing a nuisance for everyone else.

"What about people who have broken down and need to park there or van drivers who want to get something to eat?

"The warning sign does not make it clear where you can park as the slip road there is shared with another site."

The BP Connect garage is situated just outside of the South Terminal exit at Gatwick Airport.

A photograph is taken of a car's registration plate when entering and then again when it leaves which times how long it has been on site.

Chauffeur driver, Derek Arnold, said: "I didn't see the sign warning people about this and went in to their cafe for something to eat in the early hours of the morning.

"About 10 days later I was sent a bill for £75. If it is not paid within a fortnight you have to pay £150.

"I have spent a lot of money in their garage over the years and when I rang them to appeal the fine they didn't seem interested at all."

BP is now reviewing the length of time cars can park there.

A spokesman for BP said: "We have employed time restrictions because some motorists use it as an extended car park.

"We are now looking to review the time limit that people can stay on site."
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